Smokefree

Over our lifetime attitudes to cigarette smoking have changed dramatically as the body of research showing the dangers and undesirability of the habit has grown. Smoking has been attributed to many illnesses and diseases including heart disease, strokes and lung disease and cancer. Lately the awareness of 'second-hand' smoke also has been brought to the fore with statistics estimating that approximately 388 people die from exposure to this in New Zealand every year. In particular children are the most vulnerable and it causes a range of childhood illness including slow lung growth and poor lung function, asthma, bronchitis and ear infections.

Did you know that there are over 4000 chemicals that a smoker inhales?

If you are looking for ways to 'clear the air' or even better trying to go smokefree - contact your local Smokefree Co-ordinator at your local public health unit or the Cancer Society.

Many articles are written and studies undertaken about smoking. We have included a few below for your information.

Links to Other Websites

Smoking Endangers Eyesight

27thAugust 2003 By REBECCA WALSH Health Reporter HERALD

An article in the New Zealand Herald recently discussed the topic of people who quit smoking, even late in life, can reduce the risk of developing an age-related eye disease, research suggests.

Australian eye specialist Professor Paul Mitchell said people who smoked were three to four times more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who did not.

Professor Mitchell, who was in New Zealand as part of the Save our Sight awareness campaign, said GPs often struggled to find reasons to tell elderly patients why they should give up smoking.

"The attitude of people in their 60s and 70s is, 'what good would it do me now to stop smoking?'

Professor Mitchell, head of ophthalmology at Sydney University, said there were two theories why smoking had such an impact.

One was that it caused constriction of the blood vessels. The other, more likely, explanation was that smoking depleted what was thought to be a protective pigment layer on the macula.

Studies had shown that people with macular degeneration were more likely to have falls and longer hospital stays and to be admitted earlier to rest-homes.

To read the article in full go to NZ Herald

Links to Other Websites

ASH New Zealand is an organisation which is devoted to helping "to improve the health and well being of all New Zealanders by eliminating disease and premature death due to tobacco.” This site has lots of information promoting the desirability of a smokefree world from lists of smokefree venues to advice on how to quit.

The Cancer Society of NZ Inc has lots of information on health related matters including comprehensive directory of articles on the benefits of giving up smoking. It also includes a very helpful links pages for other smoking related sites.

Go to the Ministry of Health site for lots of information, research results and statistics on smoking in New Zealand.

There's never been more support around for those that want to "kick the habit". If you want to quit go to the Quit Site.

American lung association fact sheet on smoking and older people.
Smoking Cessation

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008