Ditching the Smokes Saves Lives
AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that tobacco smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
Dr Haikerwal encouraged smokers to talk to their GP about the damage caused by smoking and also to get help and support to give up the deadly habit.
"Smoking contributes to more deaths and hospitalisations than alcohol and illicit drug use combined and is responsible for 80 per cent of all drug-related deaths. It's a major cause of coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer," Dr Haikerwal said.
Dr Haikerwal made the comments during the Federal AMA's 13th Family Doctor Week (FDW). The theme this year is GPs are Lifesavers.
The AMA has worked with medical associations around the world in a global push for tobacco control andwas involved in a recent publication, Smoke-free World, where medical leaders from eight countries describe the success of smoke-free legislation.
These stories from the frontline show the benefits of laws to make enclosed public places smoke-free, and dispel the common myths spun by opponents.
Smoke-free Worldcan be found at http://www.doctorsandtobacco.org/resources.php. This publication is a prime example of doctors internationally working together to save lives.
"While smoking rates have been dropping over past decades, tobacco still causes the greatest burden on Australians' health with an estimated 18 000 people dying each year from tobacco smoking," Dr Haikerwal said.
"Tobacco costs the nation in excess of $21 Billion in health care, business and other related costs. It's Australian business that carries a big part of the cost, with an estimated $2.5 billion each year in lost productive labour - and this figure doesn't include the substantial loss of productivity from 'smoko' breaks.
"In order to reduce the disease, disability and premature death caused by smoking, we need a change in the social climate, so that smoking is no longer viewed as desirable or tolerated as normal, but is rejected as unnecessary, hazardous and offensive. GPs have a responsibility to lead by example to encourage smokers to quit.
"Cigarettes should be less readily available, and educational programs must be supported by all Australians. Smokers should not be fooled by terms such as 'light' and 'mild'. These cigarettes cause just as much damage, if not more," Dr Haikerwal said.
There will be a range of FDW activities co-ordinated out of the Federal and State AMA offices. For more details call Kristen Connell on 02 6270 5439 or 0409 070 346. An image of this year's FDW poster is available on the AMA's website www.ama.com.au.
The AMA's 2005 Family Doctor Week is supported by American Express.