These are some words on smoking cessation. We will talk about the advantages and methods of quitting smoking, and how to avoid second-hand smoke.

　　After Taiwan's Tobacco Prevention and Control Act, or TPCA, became law in 1997, the Department of Health selected the slogan of "Promoting a Tobacco-Free World" for the World No Tobacco Day (May 31) in 1998. Many domestic organizations, especially medical groups, had joined together to support this anti-tobacco effort. They vowed to prohibit smoking in places of business, and to enforce tobacco control measures.

　　Because the healthcare workers tend to understand the adverse effect smoking has on the human body better than others, and because when someone goes to the doctor for an ailment, that person may feel jeopardized health-wise, it is a perfect time recommend smoking cessation, with a better chance of success. Therefore, in addition to promoting the "Tobacco-Free World" by prohibiting smoking inside the government office, the medical personnel should work together to provide smoking cessation service proactively, so the patients could successfully quit smoking.

　　Perhaps the medical workers do not offer help on smoking cessation due to having too many patients; or they do not have the training and the skill to deal with the smokers effectively; or they start to lose confidence if their offers to help get repeatedly turned down. A foreign study found that even one verbal recommendation would lead to 2% of the patients quitting smoking. The study further found that 3 to 5 minutes of discussion with the patient about smoking cessation would lead to 5 to 8% of the patients not smoking in one year. About 70% of the patients would respond to the doctor's advice. Therefore, a doctor's recommendation about quitting smoking is quite influential.

　　For non-smokers, the best way to stay clear of the cigarette smoke is to always be alert, which would greatly reduce the amount of second-hand smoke inhaled. For smokers, the only way is to stop smoking. There are several methods to quit smoking, including guidance, counseling, medical treatment, and behavior modification. Using the modality of self-control, a smoker could find the cause of smoking and formulate a solution to combat the urge to smoke. The frequency of tobacco could be reduced from there, until it's down to none.

　　If someone is considering quitting smoking, that person is stepping in the right direction. The second step is to come up with a plan, a plan that could prepare the physical, behavioral, and mental sides for the days ahead. The researches showed it is most effective when all three sides are well prepared. It is also recommended that:

　　Finally, we want to advise the smokers that the best way is to quit or together. If that is not possible, then reduce the amount as much as feasible, and only smoke in places with good air circulation. For non-smokers, avoid lingering in areas that allow smoking. Try to encourage your friends and relatives to stop smoking. For the managerial persons, it is best to promote and support a no-smoking policy; or at least only allow smoking in well-ventilated, designated areas. Under any circumstances, try to prevent the second-hand smoke from polluting the air of non-smoking areas.