23 - Sanday, January 10, 1988 - North Shore News BUTTING OUT NEEDS DR./ PATIENT EFFORT, PHYSICIAN SAYS TO START the New Year off right, Dr. Andrew Pipe is challeng- ing Canada’s doctors to help ‘‘butt out”? this country’s most preven- table medical problem by urging their smoking patients to join the quitting teara. “There is no other legal product sold in Canada that is scientifically and directly linked to the premature death of 30,000 people each year,’” said Pipe, chairman of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada. Pipe believes the medical profes- sion has a significant role to play ‘in the prevention of smok- ing-related illnesses by confronting the smoking issue head-on; by forming a “‘quitting team’’ with their patients; and by providing sympathy, not scorn. “Although the decision to give up cigarettes rests solely with the smoker, the ‘quitting team’ con- cept represents a contract between patient and doctor,’’ he said. “Knowing that the doctor is equal- ly committed makes it harder for the patient to turn back,’”’ Pipe’ said. ; ; ‘Pipe’s prescription for quitting starts with motivation and is : enhanced by the important initial visit to the family doctor. As he, suggests, the first ingredient for success is a commitment to change on the part of the smoker. Then, a ? "Improve: health at the YMCA IF.A nagging weight, problem, an annoying smoking habit or flagg- ing. physical fitness is bothering you, the North Shore Family YM- CA may be able to help. - The Y is offering programs to help residents make 1988 a happy and healthy.new year.” To receive a brochure outlining programs for the whole family, call the North Vancouver YMCA at 986-0388 or the West. Vancouver YMCA at 926-5541. tailor-made smoking cessation program is charied with the help of. the physician. Although there are many stop- smoking methods to choose from, a recent report in the Canadian Family Physician indicates that nicotine gum is one of the few ef- fective means of helping smokers overcome nicotine addiction. Available by prescription only from a physician, nicotine gum helps relicve the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine dependence. Nicotine gum allows the smoker to quit in two stages. At first, the smoker chews the gum to focus on eliminating the habits and behaviors associated with smoking. Once the psychological reasons for smoking have been suppressed, the second, and equally important step, is to overcome the physical dependence on nicotine. Recent studies have shown that, when prescribed by a physician, nicotine gum produces a 25-per- cent success rate one year follow- ing the start of therapy. When us- ed in conjunction with a com- prehensive behavior-oriented pro- gram, the success rate jumps to 50 per cent. Whether a quitter decides to use nicotine gum or a combination of smoking cessation methods, it is important that the physician main- tain an involvement to help the quitter develop strategies for dzal- ing with situations which trigger the urge to smoke. ‘Quitting doesn't happen overnight,”’ said Pipe. “It’s a process that may take several months.”’ A doctor can provide proper in- structions on how tu use nicotine gum and help the patient through the highs and lows. The pharmacist, too, can play a significant role in the treatment process. The pharmacist can re- mind quitters about the number of renewals left on their prescriptions and provide proper instructions on how to use nicotine gum by distributing cducation materials and by referring customers who ask about medical aids to their family doctor. Most of all, Pipe cautions smokers not to be discouraged if they give in to temptation. ‘‘Many quitters make three or four at- tempts before they actually stop smoking for good,"’ he said. ‘‘The more you try, the better your odds of quitting. So, if at first you don’t succeed, quit and quit again.’’ Ladies Assorted Pants Men’s Fashion Sweaters 99 Men’s Lee & GWG Jeans 99 99 All our clothing is of Ist quality Store Hours Mon.- Wed. 10-5:30 © Thurs. - Fri. 10-9 . Sundays 12-5 come to 2 our ° oO - _ decorations trees, cards & wrap 20% - 75% off all - merchandise incl. dinnerware, crystal, decorative accessories & gifts. Vancouver’s largest specialty gift store 3590 Capilano Rd. N. Vancouver 988-5169.