03 May 2007

Big apple offers free patch

Of the more than half of New York City smokers who tried to quit last year, 80 percent of them (100 000) relapsed within three months, according to the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

In an effort to improve the odds of quitting for good, the New York health department is giving away free nicotine patches and gum for a limited time. Since the giveaway was launched last week, the health department has handed out more than 5 500 patches and nearly 700 packets of gum.

"If you are smoking or if you want to try to quit again, nicotine replacement can double your chance of success," Health Commissioner Dr Thomas R. Frieden said in a prepared statement.

A survey of New York City smokers who tried to quit found that the leading causes of relapse were: stressful situations; social settings where there was alcohol; the aroma of cigarette smoke; driving: and, for women, the end of pregnancy.

Since smoking is often associated with everyday habits or rituals, people may need to make some changes to their routines in order to kick the habit for good, Friesen said. – (HealthDayNews)