Family Physician at the Korle Bu Polyclinic, Dr. Ayongo Mate-Kole, has mentioned that the doctor’s effort to help an individual quit smoking will be fruitless if that person is not willing to stop.

“When it comes to these addictions, there has to be a personal willingness to change, so first of all if you are not willing to change then we really cannot help you”, she said

Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, Thursday, she indicated that cigarettes have two dangerous substances that is, “nicotine” which causes the addiction and “tar” which eventually causes lung cancer and other health diseases.

“So depending on which level you have reached in the addiction, we may introduce things like nicotine gums, patches to help wean you off till such a time when you do not really need those ones again” she mentioned.

Dr. Mate-Kole also stated that willing addicts must come to the facility with accountable relatives or friends that will help check on them so they do not relapse.

She also said that the person would be required to change his or lifestyle, including their circle of friends because old friends can always influence or drag them into visiting their old deeds.

The Family Physician further explained the need to prioritize our health this new year and mentioned certain measures one can take to achieve that by giving the  “0, 5, 10, 30 and 150” rule.

“…zero smoking, 5% fruits and vegetables in diet, 10 minutes of relaxation, Body Mass Index (BMI) should not be more than 30 and 150 minutes of exercise a week that is 30 minutes a day for 5 days”, she explained.

She also advised individuals to have routine checks periodically to know their health status.