Smokers urged to quit

31/5/00
Western Australian smokers are again being urged to make a commitment to quit smoking on Quit Day.
Health Minister John Day said that today marks the beginning of Quit Week, which ends on Saturday.
"Since the launch of the first Quit campaign in 1984, there has been a 22 per cent decline in the prevalence of smoking - down from 32 per cent in 1984, to 25 per cent in 1997," Mr Day said.
"New legislation introduced last year to restrict smoking in enclosed public places will boost the Quit campaign's efforts to reduce diseases caused by smoking.
"However, while the prevalence of smoking has declined, the rate of decline has stalled at 25 per cent.
"Recent research has shown that while there is high awareness of the harm caused by smoking, the mechanism by which smoking causes harm and the urgency to quit is less readily understood by smokers.
"Research shows that half of all smokers will die before their time, and half will die in middle age."
Mr Day said that in Western Australia, more than 1,400 people died prematurely from smoking-related illnesses.
"This year's Quit campaign will promote the immediate health effect of smoking as well as the many physical, financial and psychological benefits gained from quitting smoking," he said.
"Quit Day challenges people who smoke to set a date to quit and a plan to achieve it.
"Through the Quit Line and the Alcohol and Drug Information Service, counselling is available 24 hours a day over the telephone for people who need extra support."
A new television advertising campaign highlighting how smoking causes damage to the lungs will also be run during the Quit campaign.
It is expected that more than 100,000 smokers will quit or cut down their habit over the duration of Quit 2000.
"This means almost 1.25 million cigarettes a day won't be smoked - a saving of almost $340,000 a day," Mr Day said.
People who would like help to quit smoking can call the Quit Line on 131 848.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600