Smoking Cessation

Globally, efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke are gaining momentum. Both the federal and provincial governments’ efforts to regulate advertising, packaging, restricting minor’s access by increasing cost of cigarettes through taxation and imposing restrictions on public exposure to second-hand smoke, are good examples. The movement to reduce tobacco use has been furthered by the knowledge of the health effects that tobacco use poses and the recognition of tobacco use as an addiction. There is also heightened public awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke through media campaigns.

The Ontario government's tough anti-tobacco program is an excellent contribution to improving the health of Ontarians.

In this section:

• Facts on tobacco use - Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of premature death, disease and disability.
• Helping patients stop smoking - As a nurse, you can help smokers understand that quitting is the single most effective thing they can do to enhance the quality and length of their lives.

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