Health
November: Tobacco Cessation Month
Every year in November, the national "Tobacco Cessation Month" campaign encourages smokers to rise to the challenge of going 30 days without a cigarette. This is an opportunity to highlight the risks related to smoking, the benefits of giving up and the resources available to support those who want to quit.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death; it is responsible for certain types of cancer (lung, bladder, throat, etc.) and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
The national "Tobacco Cessation Month" initiative, launched by Santé publique France and the French Ministry of Health in 2016, in partnership with the French Health Insurance Fund (Assurance Maladie), challenges smokers to go without smoking for 30 days as a first and essential step towards quitting smoking for good.
Why 30 days?
Studies have shown that if you can stop smoking for 30 days, you are five times more likely to quit permanently. Giving up smoking for a month is also an important milestone in quitting – after 30 days, the withdrawal symptoms generally subside and the health benefits start to be felt.
Taking part in Tobacco Cessation Month also means being part of a collective effort, with plenty of guidance on hand to help you.
Resources to support you
Quitting smoking is not easy, but there are several aids to help smokers at every stage of the process.
Tabac info service offers
Practical advice and online tools to help you prepare to quit and stick to it
A free helpline on 3989 where you can talk to smoking addiction specialists
A coaching app to track your progress, receive personalized advice and stay motivated
Information about available treatments and aids to help you quit smoking
Tobacco Cessation Month is about rising to a collective challenge, with plenty of tools and resources to support you throughout the month.
And on campus?
To support Institut Pasteur staff wanting to give up smoking, the Occupational Health and Prevention Department offers:
A "quit smoking" kit containing tips and practical information that is available to Institut Pasteur staff on request.
An appointment to help quit smoking with a nurse so as you can benefit from personalized counseling and tailored recommendations.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness and provide practical solutions to safeguard the health of us all.Please contact the Occupational Health and Prevention Department if you require further information or to make an appointment: santetravail@pasteur.fr
Further information