Smokers underestimate their risk of disease
With the message "No Coincidence: 75% of Heart Attack Patients Under 50 Smoke," the new wave of the SmokeFree campaign draws attention to the fact that smokers are more likely to be affected by cardiovascular disease than the average population.
A Study of the University in Sheffield shows: Smokers under the age of 50 are eight times more likely to have a heart attack than their non-smoking peers. The increased risk of heart attack among smokers is also reflected in the figures of the Swiss AMIS Plus Registry, which provides data on the Heart attacks collects in Switzerland.
Although the facts are clear, smokers underestimate the harm caused by their Tobacco use conditional health hazards. This was shown by the population survey of the first SmokeFree campaign phase showed. The smokers surveyed consistently rated their own risk of developing lung cancer or suffering fitness losses as lower than the risk of other smokers, according to the analysis of the survey by the University of Zurich. The perception of one's own risk of disease is thus subject to an optimistic bias. The underestimation of personal health risks is most pronounced among older smokers.
In order to incorporate the results of the evaluation, the SmokeFree campaign the health risks of tobacco consumption into people's awareness. At the same time, smokers are motivated to stop smoking with the message "I am stronger". Quitting smoking is worthwhile at any time. After all, after five years, the risk of a heart attack is only half that of smokers. The chances of success in quitting smoking are also higher if a person who wants to stop smoking makes use of professional support during the withdrawal from tobacco, e.g. via a doctor's appointment, a stop-smoking course or telephone advice from the stop-smoking line 0848 000 181 (8 centimes per minute).
Smoking rate stagnates at high level
The proportion of smokers in the Swiss population is 25%. After a significant decrease since the beginning of the 2000s, this proportion practically did not change from 2008. Tobacco remains the main cause of premature death in Switzerland. Every year, 9500 people die as a result of tobacco consumption.
The tobacco prevention campaign "SmokeFree - I am stronger" is implemented by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) in cooperation with the cantons and NGOs from the health sector. It is financed by the Tobacco Prevention Fund, which in turn is fed by the tax of 2.6 centimes per pack of cigarettes.
SmokeFree Buddy App: A Friend as a Stop Smoking Coach
Quitting smoking is easier with the support of a friend or partner. The SmokeFree Buddy app for cell phones, launched as part of the national campaign, connects a person who wants to quit smoking with another who supports them. The companionship of a friend is particularly helpful in the first weeks of cessation. Thanks to the content developed with professionals, the app combines professional and personalized support. The functionality of the App is shown in an animated short film explained.
Source: www.bag.admin.ch
