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News Archives > 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006,
News 2010 Text to Quit29/07/2010 South Australians who want to quit smoking can be among the first in Australia to tap into a new SMS support service.
Quit SA is launching a 12 month state-wide trial of the mobile text service - Quit onQ. Health Minister John Hill says “Giving up smoking is the about the most effective step people can take to improve their heath, but it’s not easy. “This innovative program sends users free text messages every day – as many times a day as they want or need them - with more support for the most testing times. “This service is just one of the measures the Rann Government is taking to address smoking; all SA Health sites are now completely smoke-free and we are doubling the funding for anti-smoking advertising from $420,000 to $0.95 million until December this year.” South Australia will be the first state to use the service which was developed by Cancer Council Victoria as part of a research project. Similar programs operate in the United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand.
People who register with Quit onQ will be able to set the number of text messages they receive each day and what time of day they receive their first and last messages. Smokers can also get extra help. For example, if they experience cravings they can text ‘TEMPT’ or ‘SOCIAL’ or ‘STRESS’ and they’ll receive a rapid response text message to help them through. Quit SA Manager David Edwards says “If a client wants to speak to a Quitline counsellor they can text ‘QUITLINE’ and receive a free call to help address their challenges when and where they’re tempted to cave in.” “They can also stop and then reactivate the program at any time. “Quit onQ is a great example of how technology can empower and support people who want to take charge of their health. Anyone can register for Quit onQ by calling Quitline 13 7848 or via www.quitsa.org.au/quitonq SA's strong urge to quit 31/05/2010 South Australian smokers are facing one of their strongest motivations to quit in years this World No Tobacco Day (Monday, 31 May 2010), with the average pack of 30 cigarettes now costing nearly $17. “This is one of the most significant increases in new callers to the Quitline in recent years,” says Quit SA Manager David Edwards. “In recent weeks we have been averaging almost 300 new callers a week, eager to get support with quitting. “World No Tobacco Day is an ideal time to give Quitline a call and get help with developing a plan to quit. “The average pack-a-day smoker can save themselves more than $6,000 a year by not buying cigarettes that harm their health and their hip pocket. “Those already on the path to quitting have openly identified increased costs as a significant motivator to avoid relapsing. “Clearly costs have also struck a note with youth – a Victorian research poll suggesting that if costs went up to almost $20 a packet 73 per cent would quit the habit or avoid starting.” Cigarette smoke is Australia’s number one cause of preventable death. It gives smokers more coughs, chest infections as well as illnesses because it suppresses the immune system. Smoking also causes tar stained teeth, fingers and facial wrinkles prematurely. It’s never too late to quit. An ex-smoker’s risk of lung cancer halves within 10 years and after 15 years the risk of heart attack and stroke is almost the same as a person who has never smoked. More immediately, within days of quitting, people experience an improved sense of taste and smell. A smoker’s immune system starts recovering after a month as blood pressure returns to normal. For more information or support with quitting phone 13 7848 or check www.quitsa.org.au . Life saving anti-smoking initiatives 31/05/2010 South Australia will see less tobacco related harm and fewer nails in coffins from smoking thanks to today’s anti-smoking announcements by the State Government. The increased investment in social marketing campaigns has the potential to reduce South Australia’s smoking rate from 20 to 17 per cent by the end of 2013 – possibly lower coupled with plans to eliminate tobacco displays at point-of-sale. “Helping 35,000 South Australian’s to quit smoking or not take up the deadly habit will be a major contribution to the health of our community,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA. “Tobacco smoking is our State’s largest preventable cause of death. “Every year in SA we face the equivalent of a huge train wreck, with 1,130 people dying from tobacco use, 78,000 hospital bed days being utilised and an estimated cost to the community of $1.7 billion. “Smoking prevention and cessation services have been making progress and policy changes announced today will further assist the impact of these services. “Point-of-sale displays are one of the last remaining forms of tobacco advertising – often presenting a point of relapse for quitters and recruitment for young smokers. “The Government’s decision to eliminate point of sale advertising in January 2012 is a long way off but we are pleased with this commitment which now marks a line in the sand. “The days of tobacco advertising deserve to be over, and while ruthless tobacco companies will continue to seek out new promotional opportunities, Cancer Council SA supports any government policy initiatives that keep on top of this.” Research has identified optimum levels of social marketing that can influence a smoker to quit. “We expect the State Government’s promise, which more than doubles the current investment, will meet that threshold. This level of marketing prominence will however have to be continued if we want to drive down smoking rates in SA,” says Professor Wilson. “The effects of anti-tobacco advertising on smoking rates occur relatively quickly, but also dissipate rapidly in the absence of continued high levels of exposure.” Today’s State Government announcements fulfil two Cancer Council SA priorities, launched prior to the March state election, and it is to be applauded for Uniting in the Fight to beat cancer. “We understand the need to prioritise anti-smoking initiatives and look forward to consideration of smoke free al fresco dining areas at a later date,” says Professor Wilson. Cancer Council SA also welcomes our State’s share of the additional $5 million funding for Quitline services announced by Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon this morning. Assistance with quitting is available at www.quitsa.org.au or phone the Quitline on 13 7848. Smoke Free Hospital Grounds Enhance SA Health 24/05/2010 The health of South Australians takes another step forward next Monday with World No Tobacco Day ushering in a smoking ban on grounds and buildings of SA health services.
“This is welcome progress in the battle to combat deaths caused by cigarettes and passive smoking,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA. “Tobacco causes more ill health and premature death than any other drug used in Australia. “If cigarette smokers commence smoking as teenagers and don’t quit, then eventually about half of them will be killed by tobacco. “Every week around 21 South Australian’s die from diseases caused by smoking tobacco – compared to around 2 or 3 people killed in road accidents weekly. “Cancer Council SA welcomes the South Australian Government’s attempts to address the toll. “South Australians accessing health services can only be hindered by the cloud of tobacco smoke greeting them at entrances to health facilities. “We all deserve to access hospitals without the risk of further harming our health – let alone the other unpleasant side effects, coughs and odours. “Next week’s transformation has already proven an incentive for more South Australians to give up smoking and Quit SA is ready to assist others. “People wanting help to quit can contact the Quitline on 13 7848.” Smoke free hospital grounds are another welcome addition to the SA Government’s: • Smoke free enclosed areas in pubs and clubs; • Smoking ban in cars containing children under 16; • Advertising restrictions at point of sale; • Staff intervention for tobacco vending machines; and • Ban on inclusion of tobacco sales in customer loyalty schemes. More information about tobacco and quitting is available at www.quitsa.org.au cancer information is available at www.cancersa.org.au or the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
Anti-Smoking Initiatives To Save SA Lives 29/04/2010 Anti-smoking initiatives announced today by the Australian Government will save South Australian lives, with estimates the price hike alone will prompt 8,000 of our State’s adults to quit smoking and avoid 2,000 children becoming addicted to nicotine.
Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Professor Brenda Wilson is welcoming the decision to increase taxes on cigarettes, enforce plain packaging requirements, restrict internet advertising and invest millions of dollars into anti-smoking campaigns. “These world leading initiatives have the potential to deliver the most significant progress in combatting smoking related death since tobacco advertising was banned on television and radio in 1976,” says Professor Wilson.
“We have been lobbying for these outcomes to help South Australians live longer and healthier lives in which they can enjoy their interests and see their grandchildren grow up.
“Removing one of the last remaining forms of tobacco advertising will de-glamorise a unique consumer product that kills 1 in 2 long term users.
“Research suggests that cigarette packets and point of sale displays attract youth, in particular, and even entice those who have quit the deadly habit to relapse.
“These initiatives will have a positive impact on decreasing smoking in the community especially amongst the most vulnerable, young people.
“Smoking is the leading contributing factor to lung cancer, with 80 percent of all lung cancer deaths attributed to smoking. Lung cancer claims approximately 650 South Australian lives a year yet in most cases can be prevented if people did not smoke.
“Increasing the cost of tobacco and investing in anti-smoking campaigns have been shown through research to be the most effective government policy measure to reduce smoking rates, leading to an immediate reduction in youth smoking and an overall increase in quitting.
“Cancer Council SA commends the Australian Government on its initiatives which build on many significant steps toward a reduction in tobacco use in SA over the past decade,” says Professor Wilson.
Other significant reforms in SA include:
Tobacco smoking causes 1,130 deaths in SA each year. It also causes approximately 78,000 hospital bed days and an estimated cost of $1.7 billion to the community.
For information, support or advice on quitting contact the Quitline, 13 7848, and speak to a trained counsellor or check www.quitsa.org.au Plain Packaging Set to Slash Cancer Death Rates 29/04/2010
The Australian Government‘s decision to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products will cut cancer rates in Australia by eliminating one of the most effective remaining forms of cigarette advertising, Cancer Council Australia said today (29/4).
Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said the Government’s commitment to phase out glossy branded tobacco packaging would enhance the effectiveness of graphic health warnings on packs and assist people trying to quit their deadly smoking habit.
“Tobacco companies cleverly tailor product packaging to attract people to the pack and send a message to smokers about the personality of the consumer,” Professor Olver said.
“Yet in reality, every pack is the same in that it contains a deadly cocktail of chemicals that profoundly increase the user’s risk of developing up to 14 fatal cancer types.
“When tobacco products are sold in plain packs, not only will the health warnings be more prominent, but research also points to a reduction in youth smoking and an overall increase in quitting.
“By committing to replacing the glossy coloured packs with plain packaging, the Government has re-established Australia as a world leader in health policy aimed at reducing the death and disease caused by smoking.”
Professor Olver said reductions in premature cancer diagnoses resulting from today’s announcement would significantly reduce pressure on Australia’s health system over the longer term. Quit Campaign Launched 7/01/2010
A new quit smoking campaign will encourage South
Australians to get off cigarettes for good.
Substance Abuse Minister Jane Lomax-Smith last Copyright Stick To Your Goals 5/01/2010 New Year's resolutionisn't too difficult. Want to lose weight? Give up smoking? Help the environment? Can'tbe too hard. Perhaps in theory, but one third of New Year's resolutions are completely disregarded within a week. Well, whether you've already given up or are remaining dedicated, here are some tips to help you succeed in accomplishing your resolutions. Lose weight Arguably the single most adopted resolution is weight loss. Find your ideal weight - your body mass index (or BMl) can be easily calculated. Divideyour mass (in kilograms) by height squared (in metres). A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25 for most people, 25.1-30 is considered overweight;over 30 obese. Set your goal, decide how much weight you would like to lose and be determined to reach it. Diet and exercise eat healthier foods with less bad fat including lean meats and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Indulge in guilty pleasures, but do so in moderation. As for exercise, try to do whatever cardio exercises you enjoy most at least three to four days per week. Quit smoking There is a lot of pressure on smokers to quit. There are quit patches, quit gum, quit coaches, quit advertising campaigns and a quit helpline (Quitline: 13 7848). But from all accounts, it's not usually a simple task, to give up cigarettes. Set a date. Reduce your cigarette consumption each day leading up to it and on your quit date, stop smoking completely. Get support. If your family and friends know you, are dying to -quit, they will understand and help you out. Try replacement products if necessary. Throw out lighters, ash trays and any old cigarettes, papers or pouches of tobacco. Remember the many proven health benefits. Save water Back to top |
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