**************************************
In view of the recent emergence of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) worldwide, a spokesman of the Department of Health (DH) urged smokers to quit the habit, one of the best preventive measures against influenza.
"Research studies show a higher risk of influenza infections among smokers when compared with non-smokers.
"Also, the mortality rate of influenza among smokers is higher than that of non-smokers," the spokesman said.
Adopting healthy lifestyles and maintaining good personal hygiene are also effective measures to prevent influenza, he added.
Starting from May 27, the DH will launch a series of smoking cessation roving exhibitions in various districts to strengthen public awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and enhance their knowledge of how to quit smoking.
Visitors to the roving exhibition will get a better understanding of the perils of smoking and second-hand smoke, effective ways to quit smoking as well as tips and available channels for quitting smoking.
The most up-to-date information about drugs used for smoking cessation is also displayed at the exhibition.
Admission is free.
Details of the exhibitions are as follows:
Venue Date
----- ----
Cityplaza, Island East May 27 - 30
Wonderful Worlds, Whampoa, Hung Hom June 4 - 7
Kingswood Ginza, Tin Shui Wai June 18 - 21
Olympian City, Tai Kwok Tsui July 30 – August 2
Citygate, Tung Chung August 13 - 16
In addition, the DH's Tobacco Control Office launched an Interactive Online Cessation Centre (IOCC) in February 2009. It provides a virtual platform for smokers to quit smoking. The web-link is www.tco.gov.hk/iocc/index.html .
The IOCC comprises four components: "Online Quit Plan", "Information on Smoking Cessation", "Tips to Quit Smoking" and "Game Zone".
In the "Online Quit Plan", customised email prompts will be sent to registered users at appropriate times. Quitters can also print out a customised calendar to boost their confidence in quitting smoking.
"Information on Smoking Cessation" introduces effective methods of quitting smoking and elaborates on various smoking cessation medications.
"Tips to Quit Smoking" provides smokers with 10 useful tips to quit while interactive online games in "Game Zone" help youngsters cultivate a smoke-free culture.
The spokesman noted that a total of 83 smokers have registered to use IOCC by the end of April 2009.
Apart from the DH, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Hospital Authority also provide a number of smoking cessation services comprising combined counselling and pharmacotherapy to assist smokers to quit the habit.
Please call the DH's Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183 for enquiries related to smoking cessation.
Ends/Monday, May 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:01
NNNN