‘Education is better than regulation in the attempt to reduce smoking’ – Cassar

Speaking at a press conference in the fruit and vegetable section of Smart Supermarket, Health Minister Joseph Cassar said that on World No Smoking Day it is imperative that we put educate our youths not only to not smoke themselves but to be aware of the dangers of passive smoking and not to allow smokers around them to smoke in their presence.

“Not only is smoking not cool, but it is a killer, whether active or passive,” Cassar said. He also said that this is a message that has to be given long-term priority and is not just a message broadcasted for the occasion of World No Smoking Day.

The release of a new video game, Smoking Rabbit, released Europe-wide, is attempting to educate children and youths about the harm of cigarette smoking and will be available on the health promotion website. 

There are 2.5 million cases of cancer every year throughout the European Union. There are approximately 200 deaths a year which are the direct result of smoking tobacco, mostly the result of cancers. Though 75% of the Maltese population are non-smokers, Cassar pointed out the importance of encouraging the remainder of the population to join the majority.

Director of the Health Promotion Department, Charmaine Gauci emphasised the importance of changing lifestyles to avoid cancers as well as other diseases. “Avoiding smoking, taking regular exercise, eating more fruit and vegetables will help to prevent the most commonplace diseases in Malta, cancer and heart disease,” she said.

Cassar said that the government is already making an effort to help reduce smoking and prevent smoking-related cancers. “The pictorials printed on cigarette packets aim to show the harmful effects of smoking.” He said that this is more effective than increasing regulation as youths will be more likely to lead a smoke-free life if it is out of choice rather than fear of breaking the laws.

Outreach programmes are aiming to educate the public on the dangers of smoking, the importance of including fruit and vegetables in diets and the importance of exercise in leading a cancer-free life. Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants which are known to prevent cancers.

Health centres are offering a course of seven sessions to help smokers break the habit. Gauci stressed the importance of using the qualified instructors to increase the success rate of quitting smoking without turning to other addictions such as over-eating.

Applications for these courses can be obtained from the e-health website or information phone 8007333.