Smoking Cessation Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Attracts More Than 200 Patients in its Initial Year and Demand is Growing
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. January 24, 2018:
More smokers than ever are looking to quit in 2018, due to a mix of health reasons, family pressures and concerns over rising costs.
Experts at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi say that the hospital is looking to expand its Smoking Cessation program over the coming year, after almost 200 patients followed the program in 2017, in response to rising demand. “As well as being the world’s biggest preventable cause of cancer, smoking increases your chances of having a fatal heart attack and increases your risk of developing complications from diabetes,” said Iyaad Hasan, a certified tobacco treatment specialist who leads the program.
“More people are coming to us looking for help in quitting, as awareness is rising about the long-term health risks of smoking and its impact on the wider community,” he added.
Patients report that pressure from other family members, health concerns and rising costs are among the most common reasons prompting them to seek help quitting.
The introduction of a new excise tax in October, which effectively doubled the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes, has contributed to the number of people seeking to quit through the Smoking Cessation program.
According to the latest Abu Dhabi Health Survey published by the Department of Health in December 2017, cancer was the third biggest cause of mortality in the emirate in 2016, accounting for 15 percent of deaths after cardiovascular disease (37 percent) and injuries (20 percent).
While cigarettes are the highest profile threat to public health, medwakh and shisha, which continue to be popular in the UAE, also pose a significant risk.
Replicating the successful program from Cleveland Clinic in the US, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Smoking Cessation Program follows smokers from their decision to quit through to life after smoking, creating a customized program for each individual.
The program takes participants beyond their “quit date,” helping them to avoid a relapse by offering diet and lifestyle tips, as well as information on how to avoid smoking triggers to prevent a relapse. The program provides smokers with all the tools and support they need to make a clean break.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Smoking Cessation Program is run by the hospital’s Respiratory & Critical Care Institute.
Smokers who are interested in breaking the habit can contact Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi at 800 8 CCAD (800 8 2223).
Dr. Hasan’s SMART tips to help you quit in 2018:
S: Decide on a STRATEGY that you think will help you quit. Remember that treatment plus support doubles your chances to quit.
M: Be MOTIVATED and make a personal pact with yourself to quit
A: Become AWARE and identify triggers or times that may cause you to smoke. The more aware you are the better you are to quit.
R: Identify REASONS why you want to quit. You should quit for you not for anyone else.
T: TOTALLY TOBACCO FREE is the goal. It’s a journey and you will get there!
