(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) "Want to quit smoking, but need help? No worries! We'll reach out and come closer to you." This has been the message of a mobile health clinic, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention across the country.
A three-day initiative took place recently in Umm Al Quwain, where up to 80 smokers sought help from the medical team at the Department of Economic Development, where the campaign was stationed at. Salma Saleh, head of the health education department, UAQ medical zone, on Tuesday told Khaleej Times that beneficiaries of the "I quit and now it is your turn" antismoking drive included men and women.
However, most of the beneficiaries were men, mostly Arabs and Indians. The campaign, which is part of a nationwide anti-smoking drive, was the second to be run in Umm Al Quwain.
"The team is actually heading to Ras Al Khaimah on Wednesday, for three days."
The scheme is meant to help smokers give up the habit that seriously impacts not just their own health, but that of family members and everyone around them, Saleh said. "Other than so many smoking-related cancers and heart-lung problems reported, smokers spray over 7,000 poisonous chemicals around."
Smoker-speak
Syrian Ahmed Jameel, 45, and father of four, told Khaleej Times that he started thinking about quitting after he has recently suffered serious health problems due to his 30-year-long smoking. "I have been hospitalised for one full week, and was in a terrible condition," he said. "Only at that time, I thought this is the right time to give up. I could not wait any longer."
Therapy plans tailored for each smoker
Smokers are given a therapy plan that goes best with his/her case. Nicotine replacement therapy or (NRT) is a medically-approved way to take nicotine by means other than tobacco.
It increases the chance of quitting smoking by about 50 to 70 per cent. Types of NRT include adhesive patch, chewing gum, lozenges, nose spray and inhaler.
Dr Bader Azam, a general practitioner, who also works at smoking cessation clinics, said: "Those who smoke 20-25 cigarettes every day need a three-month treatment; those who smoke less than six cigarettes a day may be treated in only one month."
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