The journey to smoking cessation: The role of the pharmacist

The journey for patients to quit smoking can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is achievable. Smoking cessation is a critical step for patients towards improving overall health and well-being. We caught up with Thorrun Govind, pharmacist, TV health expert and pharmacy lawyer at Brabners for her top tips. Govind notes that smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. It is associated with numerous health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of these conditions and improve quality of life. Within weeks of quitting, individuals often experience improved lung function, better circulation, and enhanced sense of taste and smell. Govind advises that; After 20 minutes of quitting your pulse rate, will already be starting to return to normal. After 48 hours of quitting your carbon monoxide levels have dropped to that of a non-smoker. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving. After 1 year your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s. This piece explores the various methods and benefits of smoking cessation.