Česky
29.5.2015
Smoking tobacco products is (unfortunately) a socially accepted addiction. This addiction "kills" approximately 18 000 people a year in the Czech Republic. It kills not only smokers, but also non-smokers who are exposed to smoke and smoke passively (inhaling up to 90% of the same harmful substances as the smoker). In countries where smoking is banned in all enclosed spaces (e.g. Scotland, Italy, New York), the incidence of heart attacks has fallen by up to 16% on average since the introduction of this measure. There has also been a reduction in emergency room visits for asthma of around 22%. These data show that quitting smoking makes sense!
Since 2013, graduates of the Guaranteed Smoking Cessation Courses, in collaboration with medical professional societies, have gained deeper and more specialised knowledge in a wide range of fields in which they can significantly help patients as the most accessible health professionals. "During a short initial consultation, a trained pharmacist will create an individual smoking cessation plan for the patient, introduce them to available treatments for tobacco addiction and advise them on how to use over-the-counter or prescribed smoking cessation medications correctly," explains Tomáš Veverka, head pharmacist at the Horovice pharmacy.
In consultation with the patient, he will also create a plan for dealing with crisis situations in case of an irresistible craving for a cigarette. An integral part of this is to support the patient's motivation, with an emphasis on the specific positive effects of quitting smoking on their health. Based on the information gathered, the pharmacist will refer the patient to a physician at the nearest specialized Tobacco Dependence Center if needed. "The basis of the counselling activity in pharmacies is not only helping patients, but also regional cooperation with other colleagues from pharmacies and medical specialists on the subject," says the pharmacist in Hořovice.
