Recent press release

Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service

 PRESS RELEASE 

Muslims Urged to Quit Smoking During Ramadan

 Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service is highlighting the support available to the local Muslim community who want to stop smoking during the month of Ramadan (starts 14 September).  Smokers who fast for Ramadan will also stop smoking from dawn to dusk.  This is a great opportunity for Muslims who smoke to give up completely and remain smoke free after Ramadan.

Smoke Free Ramadan calendars are being distributed to the mosques with advice and tips on stopping smoking, along with details of Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service. 

Zoe Jennison, Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service, said, ”Smoking is a serious issue within the Asian community, many of whom follow the faith of Islam.  However, Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity to stop smoking for good as for most of the day people will refrain from smoking.  The stop smoking service can provide products to help with quitting, eg. Zyban and Champix, which can be used before and after fasting.” 

The Stop Smoking Service provides one-to-one specialist support for people who want to stop in doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies, along with prescriptions for nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum, Zyban and Champix.  For details of local stop smoking services contact Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 085 2917.

The NHS Asian Tobacco Helplines also offer confidential, free advice.  Specialist advisors offer free on-going support in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati and Bengali.  Urdu – 0800 169 0 881, Punjabi – 0800 169, Hindi – 0800 169 0 883, Gujarati – 0800 169 0 844, Bengali – 0800 169 0 885.  All lines are open every Tuesday from 1 pm to 9 pm. 

Ends:                          20 September 2007

Contacts:

Zoe Jennison          07766 696170

Jane Wright           07900 228980         

Notes to Editor:

For more information see

http://newash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_131/ASH_131.html

www.muslimhealthnetwork.org

Warwickshire Stop Smoking Service is part of the Smoke Free Warwickshire Alliance

Smoke Free Warwickshire is a multi-agency alliance committed to providing smoke free air, helping smokers to stop and promoting a tobacco free society.

For More Information Contact:

Smoke Free Warwickshire
C/o South Warwickshire PCT, Westgate House, Market Street, Warwick CV34 4DE
Tel: +44 (0) 800 085 2917
FAX: +44 (0)1926 495 074
E-mail: denise.milnes@warkpct.nhs.uk   

Send mail to smokefreewarwickshire@nhs.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Smoke Free Warwickshire
Last modified: 2/09/08