Health Minister encourages PresCare staff to quit smoking today

Queensland’s Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg will today encourage PresCare Aged Care Facility staff to take part in a Just Do it…Quit it, quit-smoking program.

Mr Springborg will launch the 16-week program, with PresCare being one of two Queensland aged care providers taking part, with TriCare being the other.

“PresCare is also the first not-for-profit aged care provider to introduce a quit smoking program, in partnership with Queensland Health,’’ Mr Springborg said.

“It signifies a healthy start for staff members like Sharon Johnson, who will quit smoking after 30 years.

“A healthy workplace not only improves the general wellbeing of staff but increases safety, productivity, job satisfaction, staff relationships and improves workplace morale.”

Mr Springborg said smoking was responsible for 35,000 hospitalisations and one in seven deaths each year.

“These deaths equate to about 3,000 Queenslanders dying each year from diseases related to tobacco,” he said.

“The good news is, smoking in Queensland has decreased by 40 per cent since 2001 and this is something we should be proud of.

“I congratulate PresCare on its commitment to its staff and their health.”

Mr Springborg said the State Government was eager to work with employers who encouraged their staff to make healthy changes.

“PresCare will use an evidence-based quit smoking program, delivered by Queensland Quitline (13 QUIT).

“Smoking-related illness has a significant impact on the community, individuals, their families and children but with support, a smoke-free lifestyle is achievable.”

 
If you’re ready to quit smoking, phone 13 QUIT (13 78 48) or go to http://www.health.qld.gov.au/quitsmoking/default.asp

This program is part of the Workplace for Wellness initiative, a joint Australian/State and Territory Government Initiative under the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health.

Fast facts:

• Tobacco smoke is a mixture of over 4,000 chemicals which can reach the brain, heart and other organs within 10 seconds of the first puff

·       Tobacco smoking can harm almost every organ in the body but because it happens gradually, it is difficult to notice 

·       Smoking is a proven risk factor for a range of fatal and debilitating diseases and conditions including cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer

·       Key medical conditions include emphysema, lung and other cancers and heart disease and stroke

• Smokers who spend $20 a day on cigarettes will save $3 360 after six months if they quit

Time since last cigarette benefits

20 minutes Heart rate drops

12 hours Blood levels of carbon monoxide drop dramatically

72 hours Sense of taste and smell improve. Circulation improves

2 weeks - 3 months Heart attack risk begins to drop, lung function improves

1 - 9 months Coughing and shortness of breath decrease

1 year Risk of coronary heart disease is halved after one year compared to continuing smokers

5 years Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5-15 years after quitting. Risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and oesophagus decreases.

10 years Risk of lung cancer death is about half that of a continuing smoker and continues to decline. Risk of cancers of the bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.

15 years Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker.  The all-cause mortality in former smokers declines to the same level as people who have never smoked

[ENDS] 12 March 2013

Media contact: Clare Mildren 0417 255 284