Feb 13, 2008, 9:42 GMT
Manila - Anti-tobacco advocates launched on Wednesday an on-line campaign in the Philippines aimed at helping people encourage their loved ones to quit smoking.
Under the 'Love the Smoker, Hate the Smoke' project, non-smokers can enlist friends and loved ones in an online programme to help them quit smoking.
Materials on how best to stop smoking will be sent by email to the enrolled smoker, who will also get a free visit from a doctor, according to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP).
'Majority of those expected to support the tobacco control advocacy are non-smokers who are concerned about their smoker-friends or relatives,' FCAP executive director Maricar Limpin said.
'We thought it best to launch it during this love month (because) it would be perhaps the greatest gift you can give to your smoker-friend or relative,' she added.
The online campaign, which can be accessed at the website www.tobaccocontrol.ph, also gives tips on how non-smokers can help their smoker-loved ones quit the habit.
Limpin said those who wish to quit smoking often need medical support to help them cope with such withdrawal symptoms as irritability, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating.
An estimated 35 per cent of Filipinos smoke despite smoking bans in public areas and persistent health warnings, according to Philippine health authorities.
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