The State Government is calling on South Australia's smokers to quit their own way this May as the first step in improving their health.
The Marshall Liberal Government today launched a national first campaign – Quit your way in May – that will encourage South Australian smokers to join in and find their way to be smoke free for the month of May, or even part of the month.
"Smokers have told us that they want to quit smoking their own way and that is why we are launching the Quit your way in May campaign," Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said.
"We are encouraging smokers to think about what quitting approach might work for them, and to make plans to have a go at quitting this May.
"It usually takes more than ten attempts to successfully quit smoking so setting a short-term goal gives smokers an opportunity to experience success and celebrate stopping smoking, even for a short amount of time. Hopefully that initial success will give them the skills and confidence to quit long term.
"Smokers who register for Quit your way in May can choose to receive regular emails to assist them with preparing to quit smoking and to provide support and advice throughout their quit attempt. And because we know smokers benefit from quitting with others, a Facebook support group has been established.
"We also want to remind smokers that the Quitline is always there if they need some additional assistance."
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia Tobacco Control Unit Manager, Dr Clinton Cenko, said that quitting is a really good way to reduce stress and anxiety in the longer term.
"Although people generally think that smoking relieves cravings and stress, smoking can actually increase your stress hormones in the longer term," Dr Cenko said.
"But by about six weeks after quitting smoking, research indicates that most people feel less stressed and in a better mood than when they smoked.
"Quitting for a month means that participants will be well on the way to improving both their physical and mental health."
Successful quitter, Esther Nimmo, said smoking was part of her lifestyle for a long time but it was making her sick and she knew she needed to take action for her overall health.
"I hated the control smoking had over me and it gave me a heightened sense of anxiety because I knew it was not good for me," Ms Nimmo said.
"It took ten attempts before I was successful in quitting smoking, but I feel fitter, healthier and happier since I quit. My self-esteem and my mental health are better as a result of quitting smoking.
"I'd like smokers to know that while it can be challenging to quit, they aren't alone on this journey and the benefits for quitting for your physical health and mental health are truly worth it."
To register and get helpful tips and support, visit www.quityourwayinmay.com.au
