Close to a dozen people a day are asking staff at an Orange pharmacy for help to quit smoking for health, social and financial reasons.
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Blooms The Chemist Orange has smoking health check services available, such as consultations and creation of a quit smoking plan, and pharmacist Melanie Moses said staff also help residential care facilities and programs so their clients can quit.
"Over the recent years I have definitely seen a decline in smoking," Ms Moses said.
"As a pharmacist, we are seeing more patients interested in quitting smoking and also sharing with us success stories from their journey to quitting.
"It is clear that GPs are taking an active role in encouraging patients to consider options to quit and also hospitals and allied health professionals."
Ms Moses said many of the participants are long-term smokers who are self-motivated to seek help, support and advice.
However, she said others were spurred on by recent medical events or have seen the harm smoking has caused to family members or friends.
"Many have chosen to quit to alleviate the worries and concerns family and friends have from the impacts of smoking," she said.
"Additionally, many people have quit smoking to save money. After one year of not smoking quitters have the potential to save $13,000."
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