Fed: Up to 1.6 million Australian smokers plan to quit: survey

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-1999
Fed: Up to 1.6 million Australian smokers plan to quit: survey

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - About 1.6 million Australian smokers are planning a smoke-free
new millennium, a survey has suggested.

A November Newspoll of 2,400 respondents revealed that almost one in every two smokers
intend to quit as a New Year's resolution.

Simon Chapman from the University of Sydney's Department of Public Health said there
was traditionally an increase of quitting over the New Year period.

However, he said this latest national survey showed that the clicking of the calendar
over to the year 2000 was acting as an extra catalyst for smokers.

"If people stick with their intentions it will be a terrific public health result,"

Prof Chapman said in a statement.

As the countdown to the new millennium gains speed, the National Tobacco Campaign's
Quit 2000 promotion kicks in tomorrow.

Dr Lyn Roberts from the National Tobacco Campaign said the Quitline is offering free
Quit 2000 kits that can be obtained by calling 131 848.

AAP jo/apm}

KEYWORD: SMOKE

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