The Irish Cancer Society offers help and practical advice for those who want to stop smoking.
Health warnings about the damage caused by cigarettes are being taken on board. Twenty eight per cent of adults in Ireland today are smokers, compared to forty three per cent in the 1970s.
Those who want to kick the habit are being invited to attend smoking cessation courses run by the Irish Cancer Society. People will be asked to record their smoking habits and learn techniques on how to quit.
Those taking the course will also have access to a device that measures the amount of carbon monoxide in their blood.
Barbara Murphy has made attempts to stop smoking in the past without success. She heard about this course and decided to try again.
In addition to health matters, topics such as the financial and social aspects of smoking will be covered. It is about taking small steps to change behaviour, such as creating a smoke free zone in your home, explains Norma Cronin from the Irish Cancer Society.
This in the long term will help them to stop smoking.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 January 1995. The reporter is George Devlin.
