November 1st begins the 9th edition of tobacco-free month. Led by Santé Publique France and the Ministry of Health, this campaign builds on collective momentum to help smokers to quit. They can benefit from recommendations on the Tabac Info Service platform or via a telephone number to successfully complete the month of abstinence.
Like every year, the month of November can be one of life-changing challenges. On the eve of the start, more than 100,000 motivated people are registered. Being endurance for 30 days increases your chances of quitting smoking for good by five.
94 million euros to save
“This initiative is based on personalized support for each participant. Numerous tools such as 39 89, the site and the Tabac info service application are made available so that everyone can find the help that suits them”explains Dr Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France. More than 6 in 10 smokers say they want to quit. They will be able to find on the platforms what they need to establish a strategy to help them stop and reasons to hold on.
In addition to digital tools, field actions will be deployed throughout France. Help kits will also be distributed in pharmacies or can be requested on the website. If the number of smokers who have definitively stopped thanks to the operation cannot be strictly calculated, the operation would reduce health expenditure by 94 million euros per year on average between 2023 and 2050, according to estimates from the OECD cited by Santé Publique France.
Occitanie, the second region that smokes the most
While national plans against tobacco follow one another, and Emmanuel Macron has defined the objective of a tobacco-free generation in 2030, around 28% of 18-24 year olds smoked in 2022. Those under 35 are also the public more receptive to the campaign Tobacco free monthslightly more involved than their elders.
This campaign complements the numerous coercive and dissuasive measures, starting with the commercial argument. The price of a pack of cigarettes reached 12 euros this year and will likely continue to rise in the coming years.
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It should be remembered that tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in France, the most common causes being cancer and cardiovascular diseases. “The fight against smoking remains a public health priority, and it is together that we will build a tobacco-free France for tomorrow”, indicates Dr Caroline Semaille.
Local disparities exist in France. Occitanie is the second region most affected by smoking with 28.5% of daily smokers, according to a Public Health France barometer. More than 7,300 deaths were linked to the effects of cigarettes in 2021. Figures that can encourage people to take on the challenge of Tobacco free month…
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