A 77 years old doctor smoker, should he quit now?

Author – Dr. Siddhi Hathiwala. MDS, Public Health Dentistry (2013), CTCS (2020)

During our weekly session of CTCS course for cessation experts, a point was raised about a 77-years old person, doctor by profession and describing himself in good health state in spite of being a chronic smoker for over 40 years. It was discussed that whether or not should this person be encouraged for quitting tobacco.

The scenario was brought up that if one of his friends tries to come up with this suggestion, the very first point that he will put that ‘I am a doctor myself, and all my health reports are perfect. Smoking tobacco has not caused me harm in the way it is presented. Above all, it helps me stay energetic for my clinical practice’. So it is true, as a doctor, he must be perfectly aware that tobacco causes harm to its consumers. Additionally, he must also be knowing that the diagnosis of an impending cancer can be very abrupt and alarming situation.

The point he must not have thought about is being a respectable social figure himself, he is presenting a wrong attitude before the society, especially the young generation. The young folks around him would look at him and consider that ‘smoking is super essential for having a successful long career’ or that ‘tobacco does not kill’. His patients must see him having discoloured teeth, and think ‘if my doctor smokes I too can continue my habit without harm.’

So, it is highly recommended that this aged doctor should participate in a tobacco cessation program and put up his best efforts to discontinue tobacco usage. It does not actually matter here if he is able to successfully quit or not, because in both ways he will become a ‘Role Model’ for a large number of people.

Firstly, it highlights the fact that attempt to quit is important. It can be any age, any duration, any form of tobacco. The harm caused by tobacco products includes strong addiction. If one stays away from them as low as 72 hours, they can overcome addiction and withdrawal symptoms to a large extent. The benefits of quitting start appearing and continue over the time. So, ‘Quitting brings Better Health – Each day, Each year’.

Secondly, if he fails, he can be an example for youngsters for the difficulties faced during quit process. De-addiction is a long process, which is full of ups and downs for the patient. It takes a strong commitment and hard work; and so many people face failure. The addiction caused by tobacco products makes it difficult for even a doctor to quit, leave apart any layman. So, it is the best practice for all to stay away from these products. So, ‘Be Smart, Do Not Start’.

An ICanCaRe-certified tobacco cessation specialist follows the ABCD Of tobacco cessation for a 100% quit rate.

Book appointment to start a healthy tobacco/smoke-free life with the best in class tobacco/smoking cessation experts at www.icancare.in/quittobacco or call 011-430-77695 for help. Download the ICanCaRe e-cessation app for quitting smoking and tobacco at https://app.icancare.in

#6th  ICanCaRe Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists

The Sixth Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists was conducted on 15th February 2023 Monday 9-10 pm. The program was hosted by –

Tutorial Co-ordinator – Dr. Mariya Tambawala, Dr. Siddhi Hathiwala, Dr. Monalee and Dr. Nikita Dwivedi

The agenda for discussion were

 ” CHALLENGES FOR ESTABLISHING QUIT PROGRAM”

The following topics were discussed –

1)  How to set up a Cessation Centre.

2) CTCS Standardized protocol for Quitting.

3) Treatment Modalities for different Withdrawal symptoms

4) An insight into TOBACCO MARSHAL training.

A few cases were also discussed. Dr. Mariya shared her experience of spreading awareness through religious leaders who can really make a lot of difference. Dr. Rajkumari informed about her plan to reach out to a large community of doctors at her place to indulge them in tobacco cessation.

Dr. Pawan advised having a similar intervention to be able to assess, improvise and adapt.

#advisequittobacco should be promoted in all places.

We welcome participants to Contact for difficult case discussion to solve them together:

Tutorial Co-ordinator – Dr. Mariya Tambawala 9924259452 dr.mariyasham@gmail.com

Dr. Siddhi Hathiwala 8959215915 | Dr. Monalee 9969403133 | Dr. Nikita Dwivedi 6394047903

MASTER TRAINER – Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch.

#ICanCaRe #icancareacademy #pawangupta #tobaccocessation #tutorial

#3rd ICanCaRe Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists

3rd ICanCaRe Academy Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists

The third Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists was conducted by Dr. Mariya Tambawala on 15th November 2022. 22 CTCS attended the same. The agenda was set as follows:

1) Discussion on what seed to implant in the mind of a person to start tobacco cessation – led by Dr. Mariya

2) Follow up on last month’s case Navy Officer – Dr. Simoni

3) Discussion on How to Manage Cough in patients  – home-based remedies – Dr. Supriya Wadhwa

4) Case discussion of IIT aspirant – Dr. Pawan Gupta (postponed for the next time)

5) Homework for the next – Discuss another common problem which is CONSTIPATION

It was heartening to know when Dr. Simoni Shah a Psychologist and Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist practicing in Mumbai said that her patient NAVY officer is completely off smoking for the.

Sowing a seed in the mind of a tobacco user, the discussion started by Dr. Mariya, saw some interesting inputs coming from all the participants. The relevant individualized advice is the most important. It had an interesting discussion for a tobacco user with stage IV cancer, and what to advise. To quit or not to quit. The discussion went into the quality and quantity of life of end-stage cancer patients and the type of intervention to advise them.

The commonest problem of a smoker – is cough. Dr. Supriya gave some homemade remedies and prepared ayurvedic treatment for this symptom. It was interesting to know so many remedies available from the kitchen. Dr. Pawan Gupta proposed that some of the selected preparation can be made available on the ICanCaRe pharmacy for Tobacco users.

Dr. Mariya proposed the vote of thanks and requested all the participants to submit their cases for future discussions.

All the participants thanked The trio  – Mariya, Visuja, and Nikita for initialization the tutorials and Dr. Pawan Gupta for practical tips.

22 CTCS participated in the second Tutorial.

The next tutorial is scheduled for the 15th of every month, and we wish for enthusiastic participation from all CTCS across India. Please submit your cases for the same.

What some of the participants said:

Dr. Supriya Wadhwa from Ghaziabad –

Thanks, Pawan Sir for giving me this opportunity to speak on the topic of managing cough.

Although my presentation was made in the last 15 minutes so that was lacking in some points.

Hope I was able to address it properly.

Wud try to improve 🙏🏻

Thanks, Dr. Monalee from Mumbai-

It was very informative Dr. Supriya, our patients would definitely benefit from it. Thank you so much.

Was a great takeaway session today… Thanks to Dr. Mariya and Dr. Pawan Sir and everyone 🙂🙏🏻

Simoni Shah Psy Mumbai: A very insightful session.  Thank you, everyone 

Dr Supriya thanks for this useful information 👍

Dr. Rakesh of Sipher from Chandigarh: It was actually a very informative and motivating session. Thanks, Supriya for letting us know about the home remedies for cough

Participants of the 3rd ICanCaRe Academy Tutorial for Certified Tobacco cessation Specialists (CTCS)