Quit smoking for Ramadan

Muslims in Walsall are being urged to seize Ramadan as an opportunity to give up smoking and other tobacco-based products.

NHS Walsall Community Health is hoping that the Muslim holy month of fasting with the focus it puts on self-discipline and abstinence can act as an extra incentive for people to quit smoking for the rest of their lives.

Cigarettes are a particularly serious issue for people with Asian backgrounds who suffer high rates of heart disease and respiratory conditions related to smoking.

Alternatives such as chewable tobacco and smoking a shisha pipe carry health risks of their own.  For example, chewing paan can make a person five times more at risk of developing mouth cancer.  

Alan Jarvis, Head of Adult Lifestyle Services at Walsall Community Health, said:  “Ramadan is a great opportunity for Muslims to use their willpower to kick the smoking and tobacco habit once and for all.   Giving up smoking is the single most important thing a person can do to improve their health.

We offer a range of ways to help and support people who want to quit.  All you have to do is get in touch.”
For more information, please contact Walsall Stop Smoking Service on 01922 444044.