ABU DHABI, 31 May, 05 (WAM) - The Preventive Medicine Department,in cooperation with the General Authority for Health Servicesfor the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (GAHS) and the Sheikh Khalifa MedicalCity is participating this year in the "World No Tobacco Day"today. This Tobacco Free initiative focuseson the role of health professionals on tobacco control. Healthprofessionals reach a high percentage of the target populationand have the opportunity to help smokers change their behavior.
Health professionals can also give advice, guidance and answersto questions related to the consequences of tobacco use and canserve as role models for non-smoking and they are in an excellentposition that allows them to have a prominent role on tobaccocontrol. Studies have shown that even brief counseling by HealthProfessionals on the dangers of smoking and the importance ofquitting is one of the most cost-effective methods of reducingsmoking, according to a press release. The United Arab Emirates has taken several measures to controltobacco use in the country, such as: " No smoking is permittedon UAE National airline companies such as Emirates Airlines,Gulf Air and Ettihad Airlines. " A 100% increase in taxes on Tobacco and Tobacco related products" An aggressive "No Smoking" health promotion and media campaignon television, radio and other forms of media " Increasing the"No Smoking Permitted" in facilities such as the Ministries andother Government and Public Buildings " Setup of Smoking CessationClinics (such as the "Quit Smoking Clinic" at the PreventiveMedicine Department) to counsel, support and assist individualswho want to quit smoking " Prohibiting the sale and use of Tobaccoto persons under the age of 18 years old Dr. Ali Al Marzooqi,Director of the Preventive Medicine Department in Abu Dhabi,stated that the Preventive Medicine Department, as in previousyears, supports the "World No Tobacco Day" which is an internationalhealth awareness event supported by the World Health Organization(WHO). The Preventive Medicine Department plays an active rolein health promotion and disease prevention in the community. He further stated that tobacco consumption continues to be theleading preventable cause of death in the world and that nearly5 million people die each year due to Tobacco consumption. Thatnumber is expected to double by the year 2020. Research shows that those that consume tobacco are not the onlyones exposed to the negative affects and that millions of people,including half the world's children are exposed to second handsmoke or passive smoking. Giving up smoking has immediate andlong term health benefits and our role in the community is toprovide the educational materials as well as clinical guidanceto support those that want to quit smoking. The "Quit SmokingClinic" at the Preventive Medicine Department has witnessed agreat success in helping many individuals stop a life threateninghabit and helping individuals to live a healthier lifestyle."World No Tobacco Day" 2005 Scheduled Events This year, on theoccasion of "World No Tobacco Day", the Preventive Medicine Departmenthas planned a four day "Quit Smoking Clinic" on the 2nd floorof the Abu Dhabi Mall in Abu Dhabi. The clinic will start onTuesday, May 31st, 2005 and end on Friday, June 3rd, 2005. Thehours of the clinic will run from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
The Preventive Medicine Department medical team will be measuringblood pressure and using special instruments such as a Lung Spiro-meterand a Carbon Monoxide Monitor to measure the lung efficiencyand lung age. The Al Ghanem Real Estate Corporation will sponsorthis event. Visitors may also visit the "World No Tobacco Day"Kiosk to receive informational booklets and leaflets about thedangers of Tobacco and how to quit smoking.
The Preventive Medicine Department "Quit Smoking Clinic" ThePreventive Medicine Department has set up a "Quit Smoking Clinic"located on the 1st floor of the Preventive Medicine Facility. The clinic is staffed by a Doctor, Nurse, Psychologist and aClinical Dietician who apply a multidisciplinary approach tohelp individuals quit smoking and lead a healthier lifestyle. The "Quit Smoking Clinic" encourages individuals to attend foursessions, one session each week consecutively for a period ofone month. There are individual sessions and there are groupsessions for those who prefer to have a group support network. During the "World No Tobacco Day" individuals can hold theirfirst private session at the Kiosk that will be set up at theAbu Dhabi Mall. Nicotine patches will be distributed to thosewho the clinical staff feels is appropriate and future sessionswill be scheduled at the "Quit Smoking Clinic" at the PreventiveMedicine Department. In 2003, the "Quit Smoking Clinic" counselled 333 people to helpthem stop smoking. 53 individuals have successfully quit sincestarting the program, that's approximately 16%. In 2004, theClinic counseled 711 individuals and of those 163 individualsor nearly 23% have successfully quit smoking since. The increasein participation and in the success of those that quit is mainlydue to the opening of the clinic in the evening hours to accommodatethose that work during the day. As of April 2005, the clinichas 178 participants and currently 39 individuals have quit smokingsince their first session. The Preventive Medicine Departmentand Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution (ADNOC-FOD)are planning a celebration to honor those individuals that havequit smoking for over one year.
