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Vaping: How do you quit e-cigarettes?
Quitting ain't easy. But vaping's helped millions of people to ditch traditional cigarettes.
It's widely considered less harmful than smoking tobacco - and the UK government endorses vapes as a quitting aid.
But what do you do when you want to take the next step and quit completely?
The main reason vaping gets you hooked is nicotine - the same ingredient that makes smokers crave cigarettes.
It's thought to be pretty harmless on its own, but is powerfully addictive. That's why vaping isn't recommended for non-smokers.
So, when you stop getting it you'll feel cravings. These tend to be worse in the first three to four days after your last dose.
Experts, such as the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT), generally recommend some sort of gradual approach.
One tip for vapers is to reduce the nicotine strength of their e-liquid in two to four-week stages, working down to 0% solutions.
This can be trickier with disposable vapes, which tend to come in higher strengths.
But zero-nicotine versions are available, and the NCSCT says using one alongside your regular vape can help.
Failing that, a temporary switch to a tank-style vape, giving you access to different e-liquids, might be better.
Another option is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - patches, gum and sprays used instead of a vape.
If you are a former smoker, the NCSCT says it's worth keeping a vape on hand for emergencies. Because, if you do relapse, it's better than reaching for a cigarette.
Source: BBC, 24 May 2023
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Opinion: Radical shift in power needed to address health inequalities
Writing for the Local Government Chronicle, Rosie Fogden, head of research & analysis at the Centre for Progressive Policy, discusses health inequalities and how reforming the relationship between national and local government could help reduce inequalities.
The Centre for Progressive Policy recently estimated 80% of the variation in life expectancy across local authorities can be explained by social, economic and regional inequalities. Fogden writes that despite this, national policy fails to adequately target these inequalities.
The author goes on to say that the recent Health & Care act presents an opportunity to improve collaboration across a range of services. Fogden writes about how Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) include integrated care partnerships (ICPs) of NHS trusts, local authorities and other relevant local organisations which have a voice in how to address the health needs of people in their area.
Fogden says that the report from the Centre of Progressive Policy recommends that ICPs play a greater role in determining the local healthcare landscape but that implementing these changes would necessitate a shift in power to the local level where people have a greater understanding of the needs of their local population.
The author writes that although there should be a shifting of responsibilities to local leaders, that is not to say that national government become redundant. Fogden writes that in this process, it is essential that national policy on food insecurity, obesity and inequality be robust to provide clarity for local health systems. Additionally, the national government would be responsible for ensuring there is adequate funding for local services to properly tackle these issues, particularly in areas of deprivation.
Source: LGC, 23 May 2023
See also: Centre for Progressive Policy - The impact of failing public services on health and productivity
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Haul of illegal vapes and cigarettes found in North Worcestershire
Over a five-day period, officers from Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards visited 18 premises in Kidderminster, Redditch, and Bromsgrove.
A total of 9,112 cigarettes, 2.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco and 4,648 vapes were seized from various shops.
A number of illegal vapes were also seized delivering more puffs than permitted by UK law or failing to comply with strict labelling requirements.
Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Worcestershire County Council said: “We know that the availability of cheap products makes it easier for young people to get hold of tobacco products and take up vaping and this is something we would never encourage, and that we are looking to really crack down on.
“We are working with our schools and other partners to explore the messages children receive about vaping.
“Vapes can offer a powerful alternative to tobacco and can support adults wanting to give up smoking, but illegal vapes can contain higher than permitted levels of nicotine.
“There is a place for vaping products that fully comply with the law to help people to give up smoking.”
Source: The Shuttle, 24 May 2023
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