Ask your pharmacist to help you quit smoking

A NEW campaign from Quit Victoria and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is encouraging smokers in the Barwon South Western region to chat to their local pharmacists for advice and support to help them on their quitting journey.

This year, Quit Victoria has trained hundreds of pharmacists across Victoria to improve their confidence and ability to provide advice to patients about quitting.

New figures show around one in seven (15 per cent) of people in the Barwon South Western area are currently smoking, so Quit Victoria director Dr Sarah White encouraged smokers to make the most of the accessible and expert information pharmacists can offer.

“When it comes to quitting, people can feel alone and unsure of what the best approach is,  or where to go for support and advice.

“Sadly, just one in five people use the most effective quitting approach when trying to stop smoking – which is to combine Quitline coaching with the appropriate use of nicotine replacement products suited to you.

“Pharmacists can discuss the best therapy for you and ensure its correct use. Pharmacists can also refer you to Quitline for free, personalised quitting coaching.

“We’ve trained hundreds of pharmacists across Victoria to equip them with the skills they need to start useful quitting conversations with smokers, connect them with Quitline and offer advice on pharmacotherapy.

“And the good news is that in the Barwon South Western region, there are more former smokers (24.9 per cent) than current smokers (15 per cent), which proves that quitting is entirely achievable.”