Kick the habbit with CANSA

IT is no secret that the use of tobacco products has been the single most preventable cause of cancers and non-communicable diseases throughout the world. For years, many organsiations have spent millions of Rands on campaigns designed to inform the public of the dangers that smokers and those around them face.

This year however, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has chosen to focus on educating the public about the legal aspect of smoking and smoking myths, as well as empowering smokers to take the plunge and quit the habit, said Cara Noble, the KZN divisional services manager. “In light of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), we hope to inspire, empower and encourage smokers to kick the deadly habit through our eKick Butt Programme – a unique online smoking cessation programme. We understand that it is an addiction and that it is a difficult process,” she said.

Through a series of e-mails, surveys and downloadable content, the programme, launched in 2011, has mentored approximately 4 000 individuals into a non-smoking lifestyle.One of the concerning smoking myths that CANSA hopes to address this year is the notion that the popular ‘hubbly bubbly’ and e-cigarettes are healthier alternatives.

“These trends have become increasingly popular amongst the youth as they are perceived as healthy or less dangerous than cigarettes. The hubbly especially is seen as ‘natural’, but the truth is that both are still laced with toxins and chemicals,” said Noble.

According to CANSA, many hubbly smokers also believe that the water purifies the smoke, but this is also untrue. People who smoke hubblies still inhale various poisons, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, arsenic and lead. Noble also explained that many smokers and non-smokers are ignorant of the current laws, and the aim of this year’s campaign was to address those issues.

Current law regarding smoking:
– Adults may not smoke in a car when a passenger under 12 years is present
– Smoking is not allowed in a premises (including private homes) used for commercial childcare activities, such as crèches, or for schooling or tutoring
– No person under 18 may be allowed into a designated smoking area
– Smoking is prohibited in ‘partially enclosed public places such as balconies, covered patios, verandas, walkways, parking areas, etc.
– The fine for the owner of a restaurant, pub, bar and workplace that breaks the smoking law is a maximum of R50 000 and for the individual smoker R500
– The tobacco industry can no longer use ‘viral’ marketing like parties to target young people
– The sale of tobacco products to and by persons under the age of 18 years is prohibited
– Cigarette vending machines that sell tobacco products cannot be used to sell other products like crisps, chocolates etc.

The rights of non-smokers:
Every individual has the right to a smoke-free environment. South African legislation is very clear about where smoking is prohibited. It is your right to complain when someone smokes in your presence and to take remedial steps if someone smokes in any area where smoking is prohibited.
The following are guidelines in the event of any individual deciding to lodge a complaint against someone smoking in a prohibited area:
– Request the owner or manager or supervisor of the specific area to deal with the individual(s) who transgress current legislation
– If the owner, manager or supervisor refuses to assist you, or allows the illegal smoking to continue, you are entitled to take the matter further
– Take a photograph of the smoking that is taking place – try to include a feature that will assist in identifying the venue
– Report the incident to the Environmental Health Officer of the particular Local Authority – he has the authority to act under the Criminal Offences Act
– The transgression can also be reported to the National Council Against Smoking: 011-725 1514.

Benefits to Quitting Timeline
– 20 minutes after last cigarette: blood pressure and pulse rate drops; body temperature rises toward normal.
– 8 hours after quitting: carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal; oxygen level rises to normal.
– 24 hours after quitting: chance of a heart attack decreases.
– 48 hours after quitting: nerve endings start re-growing; ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
– After 2 weeks to 3 months: circulation improves; walking becomes easier; lung function improves.
– After 1 to 9 months: decrease in coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath.
– After 1 year: excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker.
– After 5 to 15 years: stroke risk is reduced to that of people who have never smoked.
– After 10 years: risk of lung cancer drops to as little as one-half that of continuing smokers; risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases; risk of ulcer decreases.
– After 15 years: risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked; risk of death returns to nearly the level of people who have never smoked.

To find out more about the eKick Butt Programme visit: https://www.ekickbutt.org.za/ekickbutt.htm

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