Stop smoking tips for your patients
Whilst working as a community pharmacist, we come across many patients who are in poor health due to smoking. With 14% of the overall population smoking, it is getting harder than ever for them to ditch the habit for good.
We are constantly missing opportunities to encourage good lifestyle choices, and we watch our patients as they continue down an unhealthy path. Follow these tips to help your patients quit smoking for good this Stoptober:
Download the free NHS Stoptober App
Download the free NHS Stoptober app to help your patients quit smoking and start breathing easier. Stoptober is a 28-day stop smoking challenge. The app allows your patients to:
- track their progress
- see how much they’re saving
- get daily support
If they can make it to 28 days smoke-free, they’re 5 times more likely to quit for good!
Find out what kind of smoker your patient is
Knowing what type of smoker you are can help you better prepare to quit once and for all. Get your patient to take the quiz at Nicotinell to find out what kind of smoker they are.
Take the Smoker Profile Quiz here.
Give them tips/advice
You can help your patients stop smoking. How? Talk to them about their smoking, and provide some simple but effective tips. For example, making a plan to quit smoking, considering their diet, identifying when they crave cigarettes and making a list of reasons to quit.
You can find Imaan Healthcare’s stop smoking tips here.
Offer stop smoking aids
The best treatment for your patient will depend on their personal preference, age, and whether they’re pregnant or breastfeeding and any medical conditions they have.
Research has shown that all these methods can be effective:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Varenicline (Champix)
- Bupropion (Zyban
- E-cigarettes
Learn more about these stop smoking aids here.
If you would like more information on stop smoking advice for your patients, contact us today!
