Health Professionals encouraged to be pro-active on the Dangers of Tobacco Use

Date: 30 May 2005

ASH Ireland can confirm that as part of World No Tobacco Day, tomorrow the 31st May 2005, the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) has encouraged all health professionals to help people change their behaviour in regard to tobacco use. The theme selected by W.H.O tomorrow is ‘Health Professionals Against Tobacco – Action and Answers!’ Studies have shown significant benefits of even brief counselling by health professionals on the dangers of smoking.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman ASH Ireland said, “This initiative by the WHO is to be commended, and will have the support of Irish health professionals. I do believe that the majority of our health professionals are pro-active in this area, however, we can clearly do more to alleviate the scourge of nicotine addiction and tobacco use.”

Ireland is at the forefront of its fight against tobacco and our Government is to be commended on their initiatives. The smoking legislation is clearly reaping health dividends and our national Quitline is providing an excellent service, for all those who wish to break the habit. “Over the years there was a lack of evidence available – even to health professionals on all of the risks associated with smoking and passive smoking. We health professionals now have the research to show that cigarettes will kill if used as intended – and passive smoke causes class one cancer causing carcinogens. We have a massive responsibility to inform our patients of the risks and assist them with cessation.”