Western Australian GPs are encouraging patients to book an appointment with their regular doctor to discuss ways to quit smoking or nicotine vaping and make positive lifestyle changes - including improving diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing alcohol or drug use.
The call comes following concerning reports that 76% of the state's adults are "above a healthy weight", only 5% meet the recommended daily intake of five serves of vegetables, and smoking rates have risen for the first time since 1995. The same report found that 12% of adults admitted to using illicit drugs while 35% drank alcohol at harmful levels.
Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman urged patients to reach out to their GP for support.
"We're here to help. Booking a consult with a GP who knows you and your medical history can make all the difference," she said.
"We're here to listen, understand and work with you to find practical solutions that help you live a healthier, happier life."
Dr Raman said GPs can recommend strategies to help patients quit smoking or vaping nicotine products.
"Quitting isn't easy, but your GP has a host of strategies and medications at our disposal to help," she said.
"We can recommend behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy [NRT] options such as patches, sprays, gum, inhalers, or lozenges. There are also effective prescription medications available.
"Using these medications or combining them with NRT can almost triple your chances of quitting successfully."
Dr Raman said the time to act was now.
"It's concerning to see nicotine addiction on the rise again. Australia once led the world in cutting smoking rates, but we're seeing worrying new trends — particularly among young people," she said.
"Many younger Australians may not recognise just how addictive and harmful vaping can be. Also, this week, it was also revealed that five billion illicit cigarettes were smoked nationwide in the past year. This has led to a rise in overall cigarette smoking rates for the first time in years, and the surge is highest among young and lower income Australians."
The Vice President and WA Chair also said other lifestyle factors can be improved one step at a time.
"When it comes to improving your diet or getting more exercise and physical activity, we're here to provide tailored and helpful advice," she said.
"There's no one one-size-fits-all solution. GPs can work with you to develop a plan so that you can be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
"GPs are increasingly utilising what we call 'social prescribing', recommending activities such as trying a new exercise regime or joining a community group. This can make such a difference. These approaches not only improve your physical health but boost social connection and mental wellbeing.
"When it comes to diet, I suspect many patients are experiencing 'information overload' given what they see online, including on social media. Your GP can help you devise a healthy eating plan that works for you. It's not just about weight loss; it's about long-term health and feeling your best."
Dr Raman encouraged all patients to book an appointment with their GP.
"Whether you want to quit smoking or vaping, eat better, be more active, or cut back on alcohol or drug use — talking to your GP is a great first step. It could be one of the best health decisions you ever make."
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