After being hospitalized because of asthmatic bronchitis last December, Manila mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada has announced that he has quit smoking. He also added that he will intensify the implementation of a smoking ban in the City of Manila.
"It won't do you any good"
In a statement, the former president shared, "For the sake of your family and loved ones, stop smoking. It won’t do you any good."
He adds, "We will start at city hall. I enjoin everyone, from rank-and-file employees to department heads and even city councilors, to comply with this antismoking ordinance. We will be very strict."
In line with the implementation of the ordinance, smoking in the Manila City Hall would be limited to the following areas: the Arroceros, Taft Avenue and Freedom Triangle gates.
"Quit smoking for good"
The stricter enforcement of the smoking ban has been spurred by Mayor Estrada's recent hospitalization, wherein he was diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis. Mayor Estrada's public information officer Mikee Falcis adds that the mayor wants Manileños to "follow his example", and to quit smoking "for good".
Since 2013, it has already been the mayor's second attempt at quitting smoking. In January of 2014, he resolved to quit smoking so that he could be healthier. However, his resolution only lasted 2 weeks.
Previous mayors have also implemented a smoking ban in Manila, including Mayor Lim, who, back in 2011, even ordered the arrest of people who violated the ordinance.
Quitting smoking
Quitting smoking is never easy. If you're a smoker, or a loved one is a smoker, then it's a good idea to quit as soon as possible. Here are some helpful tips:
- Find a good, solid reason to quit smoking. A lot of smokers are aware of the fact that smoking can be deadly, however, for one reason or another, it still doesn't convince them to quit. Smoking can also harm other people because of secondhand smoke, and cigarettes can be an unnecessary expense. These could also be good reasons to quit.
- Be prepared, even if you're quitting cold turkey. Most people think that they can quit anytime they want, but the reality is that it takes preparation and a lot of dedication to stick to it. Make sure to get yourself ready before you quit smoking.
- Look for alternatives. Consult your doctor on what your alternatives could be. Some people take medicine, use nicotine patches or gum, and others focus on other activities such as exercise or a new hobby.
- Have a support group. A lot of people smoke socially. If you're planning to stop smoking, it's good to have some friends to help you out. If your friends are also smokers, then convince them to join you in quitting.
- Find other ways to relax. Some people smoke to destress, or to help them deal with anxiety. There are a lot of other alternatives available that are much healthier, and will benefit you in the long run.
Source: philstar.com, newsinfo.inquirer.net, webmd.com
READ: Pregnant women are still smoking despite the many risks it poses to both mother and child
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