MASKS JUST COMMON SENSE
If the government authorities told you, you can jump from a height of 100 metres and that you wouldn't feel anything (softly whispering "shortly after landing") would you do it?
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OK, I can preempt your answer. Why then would you go in closed spaces with strangers without a mask? It's not a question of trust but rather stupidity.
Ultimately good sense depends on you.
Yes 2022 is an election year and all candidates will be pushing the limits of your intellectual tolerance. Take care poddies.
Sam Hatzis, Wagga
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SUPPORT TO HELP YOU QUIT
Throughout January, we expect to see a significant spike in the number of people going to our website for information and support on quitting smoking.
We know that many people will be attempting to quit smoking as a New Year's resolution and might be unsure how or where to look for support, so we want our communities to know we are here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and for some people who smoke the stress of the pandemic, social distancing and impacts on employment and people's livelihoods may have been a barrier to quitting smoking.
No matter how long you have smoked, quitting will benefit your health in both the immediate and long-term future.
Almost straight away your health will start to improve, and your risk of cancer and other diseases will reduce.
It will also benefit the health of your family and friends (by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke) and save you money.
The younger you are, and the sooner you stop, the better, but it's never too late to stop smoking. Even people who quit after the age of 60 can reduce their chance of getting cancer and other diseases.
Many people who smoke need to practice quitting several times before they give up for good. Remember lapses are normal but keep trying and don't give up.
Practice helps you plan what to do the next time you get an urge to smoke. The first few days of quitting can be the hardest, as you may feel tired, irritable and tense, but after about one to two weeks most of these symptoms will disappear.
Many people quit smoking on their own without support, however extra support can increase your chances of quitting successfully.
If you wish to use quit support, choose methods that are safe and suit you. People who use a combination of pharmacological support (like nicotine replacement therapy or other stop smoking medications) with counselling support (like the NSW Quitline) are most likely to succeed in quitting.
If you want to use nicotine replacement therapy, combining the patches for all day support with any of the oral options (like the gum or mouth spray) is the best way to go.
Stick with the tried and tested approaches and be very wary of methods or products that seem too good to be true; our website has lots of information on approved quit methods.
No matter what method you use, getting the support you need will improve your chances of success. Remember you're doing a great thing for your health and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, call our information and support line on 13 11 20.
Dr Laura Twyman, Cancer Council NSW
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