HELP IS AT hand for Tower Hamlets residents who want to stop smoking over Ramadan. The Council began its intensive campaign at the end of last month, hoping to help tobacco users wean themselves off the habit before the holy month begins.
Dr Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health at Tower Hamlets Council, explained, “As Ramadan is a time for abstaining from addictive substances, quitting before the holy month begins is a great way to kick-start your health and benefit from reducing your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Local stop smoking advisers are always available but they will be even more accessible over the next month to offer advice on the free services and quitting options.”
Although most tobacco users smoke conventional cigarettes, a number of people in Tower Hamlets use smokeless tobacco products – like Betel nut and paan leaf, shisha, and chewing tobacco like “sada” and “zarda” – which can also be dangerous.
•For support on stopping smoking or using chewing tobacco, drop by one of the following locations for expert advice:
•Friday 12 May, 12.30pm-2.30pm Brick Lane Mosque, 59 Brick Lane E1 6QL
•Every Wednesday, 2pm-3.30pm Brick Lane Mosque
•Every Thursday, 1pm-3pm East London Mosque , 46 Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX
•Fortnightly, every Tuesday, 12.30-2.30pm Darul Ummah Mosque, 56 Bigland Street, E1 2ND
•Fortnightly, every Friday, 12.30pm-2.30pm Ford Square Mosque, 16 Ford Square, E1 2HS
•For more information on stop smoking support services, go to: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/stopsmoking or phone the BME Stop Tobacco Project (English and Bengali speakers available) on: 020-7882 8669 (female advisers) or 020 7882 8660 (male advisers)
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