Cessation clinic helps Dabaonon smokers quit smoking

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Dec. 1 – Quitting tobacco smoking is indeed a challenge since smokers find it difficult to tackle the physical addiction to nicotine.

But, kicking the habit is a little easier now for the Dabaonons with the help of the Davao del Norte Smoke Cessation Clinic.

The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte stepped up its anti-smoking drive, with Gov.

Rodolfo P. del Rosario issuing Executive No. 04, Series of 2013, that prohibits smoking within any government facility and vicinity in the province.

The order is in compliance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular  No. 17, series of 2009, “promoting 100 percent smoke-free environment in government offices and in public places.”  

The Department of Health conferred the Red Orchid Award to the provincial government for successfully implementing a 100% tobacco-free environment this year.

Along with the strict implementation of the policy, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido put up the cessation clinic at the PHO to help the Dabaonon smokers give up tobacco use.

The center provides smoking cessation counseling as well as advices on healthy lifestyle and stress management to both Capitol employees and the general public.

It also facilitates referral for those smokers who have high nicotine dependence.

Dr. Erma Adora Feo Balani, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Manager of the PHO, said the clinic primarily intends to help the smokers cope with the hurdles they may face as they quit smoking.

The counseling session include urging the tobacco user to quit by explaining the relevance of quitting the bad habit, the health risks of first-hand, second-hand and third-hand smoking, rewards or benefits of quitting, some roadblocks and repetition.

The tobacco user's willingness to make a quit attempt is then determined by the staff. And if she/he is willing to quit, the smoker is then assisted in developing a quit plan.

The clinic will then regularly check on the quitter every month if there is any withdrawal symptom. A relapse intervention is given should the client tend to smoke again after his quit attempt.

Of the 72 smokers surveyed at the Capitol, 55 were given counseling on smoking cessation. Some 12 of them are now contemplating to quit.

The smokers have also reduced their tobacco consumption due to the No Smoking policy within the Government Center.

Meanwhile, of the 26 walk-in clients, one individual has successfully stopped smoking, while 13 others are now also contemplating to quit.

Another five smoker-clients were also given counseling through the Quitline numbers of the clinic. Two of them then contemplated to quit the habit.

Constituents seeking smoke cessation counseling may call the Quitline No. 655-9493. (PIO-Davao del Norte/Noel Baguio)