Quit smoking during Ramadan, says pharmacy

Smoking

The Co-operative Pharmacy is urging fasting Muslims to stop smoking during Ramadan.

A total of 82 Co-operative Pharmacies located in areas with a high proportion of Muslim customers, are offering a free “medicines check” which now incorporates stop smoking advice.

The pharmacy considers this to be the ideal time of year to think about stopping smoking as Muslims will already be abstaining during daylight hours to fulfil their religious obligation of fasting.

Patients who smoke may be dependent on nicotine and will experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anger, or restlessness during the fast. The Co-operative Pharmacy has trained the pharmacists to share ways to help the patient beat the addiction and change existing habits.

Mandeep Mudhar, The Co-operative Pharmacy’s Head of NHS Development, added: “Last year we were able to help a significant number of Muslim people intending to fast during Ramadan and we are delighted to extend the service to incorporate stop smoking support, thanks to a grant from McNeil Product Ltd. We are urging Muslim patients who take regular prescribed medication as well as those who wish to stop smoking, to speak to their pharmacist.

“We appreciate the importance of cultural understanding and sensitivity when discussing the implications on healthcare of people’s religious beliefs. We’re not making assumptions about how Muslim patients might act, but we strongly recommend they talk to their pharmacist.”

Kawaldip Sehmi, Director of Healthy Inequalities, QUIT said: “Smoking is a serious health issue for Asian communities who are at risk from heart disease and respiratory symptoms associated with smoking. The month of Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for patients who have chosen to fast to make the decision to stop smoking completely.

“Research shows that people who are most successful at quitting long term are those who have abstained for a four week period, i.e. the length of Ramadan and who have the support of their friends and family as well as the community pharmacist.”