In almost two decades of work in helping smokers kick the nicotine habit, Associate Professor Mohamed Haniki Nik Mohamed has worn many hats, ranging from service provider to trainer to policy advisor. In conjunction with World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) on the 31st of May, we speak to Professor Haniki about his reasons for entering the field, as well as his work in expanding the MOH’s integrated quit-smoking service, mQuit.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE FIELD OF SMOKING CESSATION?
When I was doing my post doctorate fellowship in the United States, I recruited asthmatic patients, some of whom were smokers. I told them “you know, if you’re asthmatic, you should not be smoking; it will worsen your asthma.” They asked me if there were any medications they could take to quit smoking; I said I didn’t know, because I hadn’t learned much about smoking cessation at the time.
That was towards the end of my fellowship. Upon coming back to Malaysia in 1997 I started to look up this issue and realized there were many smokers in Malaysia at the time. As a pharmacist, I wanted to help them quit smoking effectively. So I got myself trained through a range of sources—including the Ministry of Health (MOH), and workshops, both local and international. I then put up a proposal to establish the first dedicated multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinic in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2001.
Through this clinic, we provided the service to USM staff, students and their relatives; we also became a smoking cessation training centre on a state and national level for other HCPs. It had a good quit rate; about 30 to 36% success rate after 1 to 2 years’ establishment. We were indeed thankful and proud that we clinched the best quit smoking clinic award in conjunction with the 2003 WNTD celebration in Penang.
Do you still head the clinic in USM?
No, my contract with USM ended in 2005 and I joined the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). I again spearheaded the establishment of a smoking cessation clinic to provide services to IIUM staff and students. I also participated in the quit smoking clinic (QSC) at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan, particularly as part of teaching and learning.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Health Today Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Health Today Malaysia.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
The Fertility Revolution
A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.
6 Skin Myths Debunked
A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.
Battling Two Cancers
Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.
