Have you thought about quitting smoking? Have you tried to quit in the past? Many factors can make quitting difficult, such as peer pressure, lack of information and lack of motivation.
Most people quit to improve their health, while others are concerned about the cost of smoking. Either way, the goal is to stop smoking. Smokers have a greater risk of developing serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and throat or lung cancer.
The good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking, and there are many benefits at any age. Within days of quitting, you’ll be breathing and moving around more easily. Within one year, your risk of having a heart attack is halved. Within 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer is halved.
Your community pharmacy has a range of products and trained staff to help you quit smoking. There is no ‘one size fits all’ method to quitting, and different methods work for different people. Some people gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke daily, while others go ‘cold turkey’. Others may choose to use medicines, counselling, or complementary and alternative treatments.
There is a lot of evidence, but also many myths, around smoking cessation. Talking to your community pharmacist and pharmacy staff about the options available to help you quit smoking is one of the best ways to identify what strategies might work for you. Your pharmacist can provide advice on the evidence for various methods of quitting smoking and help you work out a plan for success.
Your pharmacy may offer additional services to assist in quitting smoking or managing risk factors associated with smoking, including:
Vapes are available in some pharmacies for smoking cessation and for treating nicotine dependence. They are available in all states with a prescription from your doctor and in some states, prescribed directly by a pharmacist. They are not available to people under the age of 18 without a doctors’ prescription.
Pharmacies can only supply vapes based on the medical needs of their patient, and when they consider the product to be safe and effective. There are currently no products registered in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
There is limited evidence for vapes as a product to treat nicotine dependence. Other treatments used in smoking cessation have a high level of evidence supporting their use.Patients should speak to their pharmacist to find the most appropriate treatment option for them.
Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.
Your community pharmacist can do more for you with a wide range of vaccines available, from flu and COVID-19 to essential travel immunizations. Visit your local pharmacy to stay healthy, protected, and up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Your community pharmacist is here to help you care for your skin, from managing common conditions like school sores, eczema, and acne to offering guidance on wound care, shingles, and sun protection. Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and effective solutions to keep your skin healthy every day.
Community pharmacists are enhancing women’s health by providing comprehensive support at every stage – from conception and contraception to bone health and beyond.
Your community pharmacist is here to help with harm reduction and dependency, offering support and resources including needle and syringe services, opioid dependency treatment, quit smoking services, and naloxone.
Get expert support with your medications through comprehensive reviews and management services provided by your community pharmacist. From home medicine reviews and MedsCheck consultations to dose administration aids and staged supply, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get the support you need from your community pharmacist to manage chronic conditions. With expert advice, personalised medication management and tailored health services, community pharmacies empower you to take control of ongoing health challenges and improve your quality of life.
Take control of your health with convenient testing and screening services at your community pharmacy. From regular monitoring to early detection, these essential services help identify potential health risks and support proactive care. Your pharmacist is here to guide you in staying informed and making health-conscious decisions for a healthier future.
Stay informed with the latest news, health tips, and updates from community pharmacies.
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