As physicians, scientists, and tou...

As physicians, scientists, and touched health professionals we can play an important character in further preventing, or at least diminishing, the attack and continuity of tobacco use and thus, of tobacco-related diseases. We ne to actively participate in producing the "science of application." Obviously, we should lead by way of example by neither smoking nor condoning smoking at our office or hospital. "No smoking" signs should testify to our conviction, as should the absence of tobacco yields from our hospital gift stores We should admonish patients about their smoking, whatever the diagnosis. In addition to being medically uninjured such advice suggests to our patients that we are genuinely troubleed about their present and events to come health. It also assists as a motivation for adopting other healthful habits. Pediatricians especially should advise young patients about the harmful meanings of tobacco, and should advise parents that they are likely to place a bad example for children by way of smoking.

Russell[1] has indicated that equable minimal messages and reminders advising smoking cessation are actually more cost-effective than other methodologies. by what means much more effective would similar messages be if we were to increase their dose and duration? Physicians in general, and especially those specializing in chest diseases, are in a [i]clavis[/i] position to persuade patients to stop smoking. In fact, Cullen[2] has urgencyed that physicians' offices should actually become "smoking cessation clinics."

Antismoking advice and be of importance tos about health risk factors generally can be brought to the patient's attention while a history is being taken or during the physical examination, when we have the patient's undivided attention. Physicians should document the patient's smoking history and ascertain whether the patient wants to quit. We should monitor smoking habits across time so as to evaluate our effectiveness. Since chiefly smokers do want to quit, we have the opportunity to deliver a firm antismoking message and to praise past efforts toward quitting. We can help the smoker to become a nonsmoker from giving practical suggestions, by enlisting family support, which can be highly important, and by monitoring the patients by the agency of a follow-up letter or visit to encourage progres Cullen[3] has summarized one specific things physicians can do to be prosperous in their smoking cessation efforts.

Our disquiets should also be directed toward other health risks like as alcohol and drug abuse, physical inactivity, and excessive nutrition. Various health promotion messages can be synergistically supportive. We might also provide each patient with a record plan such as the American Health Foundation's Health Passport, which allows for minute of personal data and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and cancers, and also provides useful health information. Periodic updating in the adjoining matter of regular health examinations encourages proper health behavior and allows the patients to monitor their risk factors.

Health promotion should increasingly be an integral constituting of our medical practice. Having health programs to alleviate tobacco-related illness is just individual example of the mandate each of us has that makes a difference in the health benefits of our patients and community.[4] Together with other community leaders, we should also address the social conditions that lead to poor health behaviour as a result of poverty, inadequate housing, weakened families, social decay and unemployment To the size that we commit our expertise, intensity and creativity to effective health promotion, of which tobacco use is a major example, the long-term health of our society will be improved and augmented a goal that represents the finest aspect of medical practice.

REFERENCES

1 Russell MAH. Cigarette dependence: II. Doctor's part in management. Br Med J 1971; 1(5758):393-95

2 Cullen JW Shouldn't your office be a "smoking cessation clinic?" Primary Care & Cancer 1988;8:18-21

3 Cullen JW The physician's role: Four easy things you can do. Primary Care & Cancer 1987;7:43-6

4 US Department of Health and Human Services. Changes in knowledge of the health concatenations of smoking. 25th Anniversary of the Surgeon General's Report forward the Health Consequences of Smoking. U Public Health Service CDC--Office in succession Smoking and Health 1989 (In press)

COPYRIGHT 1989 American association of Chest Physicians

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