As a recognized global leader in tobacco control, Ireland has worked hard to develop comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence. The country’s efforts are underpinned by ambitious goals: it aims to be tobacco free by 2025 with a smoking prevalence equal to or lower than 5%. One of Ireland’s keys to success is a rigorous national cessation programme that provides care and support for those struggling with tobacco and nicotine dependence.
Photo: Getty Images By Contributor 7th May 2021
The Covid-19 lockdown has taught us some lessons for Smoking Cessation writes
Prof. Luke Clancy including the use of the Internet. And all those outside smoking areas should never be re-opened after the pandemic
There is a serious need to consider the possible role of internet-based Smoking Cessation services, especially now during the current SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic. This is very much in line with national Tobacco Control policy, because despite the Tobacco Free Ireland commitment to a 5% smoking prevalence by the year 2025, Tobacco Free Research Institute’s SimSmoke modelling analysis suggests that this will not happen with the present TFI policies.
Pic: Getty Images By Contributor 8th March 2021
It is also believed, though not known for sure, that a smoker is at increased risk of more severe Covid-19 disease, as per Centre for Disease Control (CDC) advice, writes
Dr Damien Lowry
Smoking cessation is challenging at the best of times. It is particularly challenging during Covid-19 when it might be argued that there is an additional stress burden on many people, if not most of society. And as we know, smoking can be a method to alleviate stress in our lives, though this method is well known to be maladaptive in nature, for its costs far exceed its benefits.
ON this National No Smoking Day County Clare is launching a ‘Not Around Us’ campaign. The initiative is being led by Clare County Council’s Healthy Clare team in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the HSE’s QUIT-Mid-West team, Clare Comhairle na nÓg, Clare Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Clare Youth Services, Clare Sports Partnership, Greener Clare and Healthy Ireland.
“Not Around Us” is another step Towards a Tobacco and Vape Free Clare by promoting environments where it is easier for those who smoke to quit and stay quit and to help de-normalise smoking for the next generation. The campaign is in response to the government’s national target for a less than 5% smoking prevalence in Ireland by 2025.