Ramadan an opportune time to quit smoking, says HMC expert
The holy month of Ramadan presents an opportune time for smokers to give up the habit of smoking, a senior health official has said.
Head of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, underlined that fasting has a lot of positive effects on one’s health, and those benefits are especially prominent in tobacco users who give up smoking.
“For smokers, quitting is often easier during Ramadan as those who fast are already required to abstain from food and drink, as well as from smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products, from dawn to sunset,” Dr Al Mulla said.
“The positive health effects of quitting smoking begin quickly after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and pulse will start to return to more normal levels and nicotine levels in the body start to decline gradually,” he explained.
“The body also begins to cleanse itself of the toxic substances and viscosity returns to normal levels. Smokers who quit this habit also start to feel improvement in their sense of smell and taste and their immune system’s ability to fight off diseases improves over time,” he added.
The senior HMC official mentioned that the number of smokers who visit the clinics looking to quit smoking is higher during Ramadan. This is “because fasting, and the holy month in general, is an ideal time for smokers to be more thoughtful about their health and the impact lifestyle choices have on their wellbeing,” Dr Al Mulla noted.
The Holy Month of Ramadan Provides an Opportune Time to Quit Smoking, Says HMC Smoking Caseation Expert.https://t.co/sXQOgt3Ak5 pic.twitter.com/fhIWgAW25D
— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) April 15, 2021
The Smoking Cessation Clinic provides patients with the tools and support needed to replace their nicotine consumption habit and to cope with withdrawal symptoms, the senior official said.
Nicotine, one of the substances in tobacco products, is highly addictive, he mentioned.
“Cigarette smoke contains more than 45 poisonous chemicals that are known as causes of cancer. Carbon monoxide is just one of many hazardous chemicals in cigarette smoke and this colorless, odorless gas replaces oxygen in the blood and can cause shortness of breath and dizziness.
“Additionally, tar inhaled during smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease. Smoking is a major threat to the health of a smoker and to the people around them who are exposed to second-hand smoke,” Dr Al Mulla said.
HMC’s Smoking Cessation Center urges smokers to benefit from the services provided by the center to help themselves quit smoking. People can contact the center by calling 40254981 or 50800959.
Visit our Ramadan Page for more useful information about the Holy Month!
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Good for those who listen ..... yes .........