Ramadan is an opportune time to quit smoking, according to Dr Ahmad Al Mulla of the Tobacco Control Centre under Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and that a number of special clinics will be available during the Holy Month to encourage tobacco users to give up the habit.
Ramadan is a great opportunity to quit smoking. I want to personally encourage all those who smoke to take advantage of the Holy Month and use it as an opportunity to rid their body of this harmful habit. Tobacco use not only causes harm to the smoker’s health but also to the health of those around them. Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to focus on living a healthier lifestyle.’
Each Ramadan, the HMC Tobacco Control Centre receives hundreds of requests from new patients seeking support to quit smoking. Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar levels and blood circulation, increased insulin reception (especially in diabetics), and decreased cholesterol levels.
Dr Al Mulla said that many individuals consider quitting smoking during Ramadan because people are more reflective of their health and the negative consequences of unhealthy behaviours. He said that every year during Ramadan, the Tobacco Control Centre receives an influx of new patients. Last year, 70% of visitors to the Tobacco Control Centre were new patients. Last month, over 230 patients were received at the centre, half of which are new patients.
Our smoking cessation team provides patients with tools to replace their nicotine consumption habit and with strategies to help cope with withdrawal symptoms. Ramadan can be a great opportunity to introduce healthy habits and let go of unhealthy behaviours. The practice of fasting serves several spiritual and social purposes, reducing many of the distractions in our daily lives.’
Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco products, is highly addictive, hence quitting can be very challenging. In addition to the adverse health consequences associated with tobacco use, smoking interferes with your sense of taste and smell. Cigarette smoke contains more than 45 poisonous chemicals that can cause cancer. Lung cancer is directly associated with smoking due to the presence of carbon monoxide. Tar inhaled during smoking can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease.
Dr Al Mulla said that the first few days after quitting can be the most challenging. He said that the increased number of social and family gatherings during Ramadan can provide the much-needed support required when making difficult lifestyle changes. He recommends spending time in public places where smoking is not allowed, drinking water and eating well (during non-fasting hours), getting sufficient sleep. He also said that making a list of reasons why you want to quit smoking can provide extra motivation.
Clinic Schedule
The HMC Tobacco Control Centre is open every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 8 am to 1 pm. The Smoking Cessation Clinic at Hamad General Hospital also runs a clinic every Wednesday from 8 am to 10 am. Smoking cessation services offer one-on-one medical and behavioural counseling. Patients are also provided with targeted treatment options. For appointment and more information about their services, call the Tobacco Control Centre at these numbers: 4025 4981 / 4025 4857 / 5080 0959.
The Ministry of Public Health, HMC, and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) have partnered again this year to re-launch the Ramadan Health website. They have expanded the initiative by introducing a companion smartphone and tablet app. Introduced two years ago, the Ramadan Health website is Qatar’s first online resource devoted to health and wellness during the Holy Month. Visit the Ramadan Health website through this link.