Suffolk Digest

What is
Smoke Free Suffolk?

Part of a national network of alliances partly funded by the Department of Health, the
Smoke Free Suffolk Alliance is a collaborative body comprising representatives of thirteen different local agencies pursuing a set of agreed goals for tobacco control in Suffolk.

Smoke Free Suffolk's main aims include reducing the prevalence and uptake of tobacco use, and thereby the incidence of smoking-related diseases.

Smoke Free Suffolk is involved in raising awareness of the dangers of smoking, participating in annual campaigns such as No Smoking Day and Cancer Prevention Week.

Smoke Free Suffolk meets regularly to exchange information and plan future tobacco control activities in Suffolk.

Smoke Free Suffolk - 01473 770140

Suffolk Digest

New study shows nicotine replacement therapy appropriate for gradual and abrupt quitters

Nicotine gum has been in use for over 20 years to help smokers quit abruptly yet close to two-thirds of smokers report that they would prefer to quit gradually. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare have now found that smokers who are trying to quit gradually can also be helped by nicotine gum. The results of the first study to test the efficacy and safety of using nicotine gum to assist cessation by gradual reduction are published in the February 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Almost 3300 smokers participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were enrolled in 27 study sites across the US. Participants were allowed to choose between 2-mg and 4-mg doses of nicotine gum, with the higher doses generally being selected by heavier smokers. Within each dose group, participants were then randomised to receive either the active gum or a placebo, yielding 4 approximately equal groups.

Source: Medical News Today, 06 January 2008

Link: http://tinyurl.com/92c2nx