[담배 이제는 OUT!] Ministry of Health and Welfare – Progress Institute Smoking Cessation Clinic
Smoking cessation counseling service at public health centers nationwide
6-month practice check – supplements provided… Irrespective of region of residence, even teenagers can apply
Electronic cigarettes are just as harmful… Even if you quit smoking, don’t give up
Mr. Song (55), whom I met at the smoking cessation clinic at the Yongsan-gu Public Health Center in Seoul on the 29th of last month, explained the reason for visiting the smoking cessation clinic, saying, “I have been smoking cigarettes as I was 23, but I felt like I couldn’t quit on my own, so I thought I needed to get help.”
It’s not that Mr. Song hasn’t tried to quit smoking. I tried to quit smoking several times and was prosperous for a short period of time. However, the smoking cessation period did not last longer than one year.This time, I have been quitting smoking for 127 days. The level of carbon monoxide in the body confirmed at the smoking cessation clinic was also ‘0’.Mr. Song laughed, saying, “Whenever I see someone smoking in a movie or drama, the desire to smoke suddenly skyrockets. Whenever that happens, I take vitamin C from a smoking cessation clinic or use an acupressure machine and just hold on for about 5 minutes and the desire goes away.”
● “Encourage quitting smoking by sending text messages every week”
As of the 29th of last month, a total of 675 people, like Mr. Song, are receiving smoking cessation treatment at the Yongsan-gu Public Health Center’s Smoking Cessation clinic. Smoking cessation counselor Bae Seong-min (29, female), who is helping these people quit smoking, sends text messages every week to 284 people who have agreed to receive them, encouraging them to quit smoking. The text message reads, “with every good change, there is resistance and difficulty.Even if someone offers you a cigarette, smile and say, ‘I’m quitting smoking.’
According to Bae, who has been providing smoking cessation counseling for about 5 years, when smokers try to quit smoking on their own, the success rate is less than 5%. Mr. Bae said, “There are people who go to a smoking cessation clinic after quitting smoking for 6 months and try to quit smoking again.” He added, “Even if you smoke for a while while quitting smoking, it is better to practice it consistently, such as extending the smoking cessation period again, rather than assuming that you have ‘failed to quit smoking.’” “It’s importent,” he said.
The ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Promotion and Development Institute have been operating smoking cessation clinics at 261 public health centers across the country through a pilot project since 2004. The goal is to protect the health of local residents by promoting various smoking cessation projects,including smoking cessation counseling services and support for smoking cessation aids for smokers.
If you visit a public health center to quit smoking, you will receive smoking cessation counseling at least 9 times over 6 months. Check the levels of carbon monoxide and nicotine that accumulate in your body when you smoke, and check whether you are actually quitting smoking. Smoking cessation aids (patches,gum,lozenges) are also provided if needed. We also provide vitamin C and acupressure devices to help you resist the urge to smoke.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Development Institute also operate a ‘visiting smoking cessation clinic.’ This is a method in which applications are accepted from workplaces where it is difficult to visit a smoking cessation clinic on weekdays, and a smoking cessation counselor goes directly to the site to provide customized counseling. We also provide non-face-to-face counseling through phone calls and text messages to help you quit smoking.
An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare said, “Recently, the number of people visiting smoking cessation clinics is increasing again.” After the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), the number of people registered at smoking cessation clinics, which decreased to about 146,000 in 2021, increased by about 45% to about 211,000 last year. Of these, 209,000 people decided to quit smoking. There were about 146,000 people who had not smoked for four weeks.
Mr. Kim (37), an office worker who successfully quit smoking for six years after starting to quit smoking through a smoking cessation clinic at a public health center in Seoul in 2018, also emphasized the importance of counseling. Mr. Kim said, “Just having a consultation schedule gives me a lot of motivation to quit smoking,” and added, “It’s the same as taking a private class at the gym helps you lose weight.”
An official from the development center said, “One of the common misconceptions about smoking is that electronic cigarettes are less harmful. Whether cigarette cigarettes or electronic cigarettes are equally harmful, including increasing the probability of developing various vascular diseases, please visit a smoking cessation clinic.” . This official also said, “There is a perception that if you quit smoking, you will gain weight, but even if you gain a little weight, it is tolerable compared to the risk of diseases caused by smoking.” He added,“Receive advice from a smoking cessation clinic and continue exercising and adjusting your diet.“If you do this, you can prevent weight gain after quitting smoking.”
Reporter Park Seong-jin [email protected]
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How have public attitudes and government initiatives towards smoking cessation evolved in recent years?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Smoking Cessation Expert Bae Seong-min
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Bae Seong-min.As a smoking cessation counselor with five years of experience, you’ve worked closely with many individuals struggling to quit smoking. Could you start by sharing what motivated you to enter this field?
Bae Seong-min: Thank you for having me! My motivation stems from a desire to see people reclaim their health and happiness. I have seen firsthand how debilitating smoking can be, not just for the individual but also for their families.The feeling of helping someone quit and improve their quality of life is truly rewarding.
Time.news editor: That’s inspiring! Recently, the ministry of Health and Welfare has ramped up its smoking cessation services at public health centers across the country. Can you tell us about the current programs and their effectiveness?
Bae Seong-min: Certainly! The government operates smoking cessation clinics at 261 public health centers nationwide. We provide counseling sessions—at least nine over a six-month period—alongside support like nicotine patches, gum, and even vitamin C to help with cravings. Our success rates improve dramatically when people engage with these resources. Though, when individuals try to quit on their own, the success rate drops below 5%.
Time.news Editor: Wow, that statistic is eye-opening! You mentioned the role of encouragement in your work.Can you explain how you keep people motivated, especially when the urge to smoke becomes overwhelming?
Bae Seong-min: Yes, motivation is key! As an example, I send weekly text messages to those who opt in for support. A typical message might read, “With every good change, there is resistance. If someone offers you a cigarette,smile and say,‘I’m quitting smoking.’” These little reminders can help refocus their determination.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great approach! One story that caught my attention was of a man named Mr. Song, who has been smoke-free for 127 days. he described how he manages cravings. What practical advice do you offer to patients like him?
Bae Seong-min: The experience of Mr.Song is quite common. When cravings hit, I advise dealing with them actively—using techniques like deep breathing, engaging in physical activity, or even utilizing acupressure devices. It’s also about recognizing that cravings will pass. Supporting patients in understanding that it’s okay to slip up and that they can continue their journey is critical.
Time.news Editor: It’s comforting to know that people can continue to try even after setbacks. In your opinion, how have attitudes towards smoking cessation changed, notably since the pandemic?
Bae Seong-min: There has definitely been a shift. After COVID-19, more people seem to be valuing their health and are more willing to seek help for their smoking habits. We witnessed a significant increase in registrations at smoking cessation clinics—from about 146,000 in 2021 to approximately 211,000 last year. This trend shows that people are becoming more aware of the long-term impacts of smoking and are eager to change.
Time.news Editor: Those numbers highlight a positive trend in public health! what message woudl you like to convey to someone who is currently struggling to quit smoking?
Bae Seong-min: I want them to know that quitting is a journey,and it’s okay to have ups and downs. Each attempt is a learning experience. Seek help, utilize available resources, and never lose hope. Just like Mr. Song, you can achieve your goal with the right support and determination.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Bae Seong-min, for your insights and dedication to helping others. It’s clear that resources like those offered at smoking cessation clinics can make a significant difference in the lives of many individuals looking to quit smoking.
bae Seong-min: Thank you for having me! It’s important for everyone to know that they are not alone in this fight.