Posted on: 08/15/2022 at 2:24 PM
Last modified on: 15-08-2022 at 14:30
While we are enjoying a well-deserved holiday in the Netherlands, we at GGD Kennemerland are also preparing for an important project in the autumn: Stoptober. In the month of October we will help everyone who wants to finally stop that annoying unhealthy habit. You don’t stop smoking for fun. Quitting can be difficult, but we know from experience that it is possible. Even if you smoke a lot, or if you’ve smoked for a long time.
In recent years, a new form of smoking has become very popular: vaping. This is seen as a ‘light’ form of smoking and is particularly popular among young people. For example, it is possible to vape all kinds of flavors, such as melon or strawberry. While it may seem less unhealthy than a regular cigarette, it’s just as much a very unhealthy habit.
Taking dangers seriously
Vaping can in some cases be helpful for adults to quit the real cigarette, but for young people it can be a stepping stone to a serious addiction. That is why I would like to ask you to take the dangers of an apparently harmless device seriously. And advise your children not to take it on the road to, for example, a festival. Are you an inveterate smoker yourself and are you done with that? Then join Stoptober!
Stoptober-App
Once you’ve downloaded the Stoptober App, you’ll receive positive messages every day that will encourage you and help you keep going, even if things don’t go as planned. With videos, puzzles, tips and advice, we help you through the most difficult moments. The Stoptober App will be available for free for iOS and Android from 2 September. Stoptober also gives you access to a large online community. On Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram you can stay in touch with your fellow stoppers and find distraction and support when you need it.
More information can be found at www.stoptober.nl.
Column by Director of Public Health Bert van de Velden.