Why Quit Smoking?

Stopping smoking is just the best thing you can do for your health!
Smokers who quit can halve their chances of having a heart attack, can slow or halt the progress of many lung diseases and add a decade or more to their life expectancy!
You may also save money - a 20/day smoker could save $10,000 - $20,000 in just 5 years!
All this adds up to feeling better in yourself, having more energy and just enjoying life more!

So How can You Quit?

Many people do Quit by themselves. Determination and a willingness to try will take you a long way but research shows that Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can more than double your chances of success. Other medications such as Nortriptyline, Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Champix) are also very effective and may be available through your GP. Ask for advice about what's available and suitable for you.

Getting advice and support can also make a significant difference. There are many services available to help you and your family/whanau free yourself from smoking. Help is available through the South Canterbury DHB, Aoraki PHO, Aukati Kaipaipa, Quitline, Smokestop and others. Most services are free or heavily subsidised, so cost need not be a barrier to trying.

For a list of smoking cessation and other services, click here

Timaru Hospital Buildings and grounds are smokefree / auahi kore in order to promote healthy lifestyles. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand and as a health provider we are trying to reduce this toll.

New: FREE Smoking Cessation clinic on Wednesday afternoons at Waimate Medical Centre:1:30 – 2:30
           Ask at the surgery or phone:(03) 684 1491 for details.

New: For information about smoking, visit the new ASH website, click here