News
Local services available to help people quit smoking ahead of ‘National No Smoking Day’
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare smoking cessation experts are reminding the public that tomorrow (Wednesday) is National No Smoking Day. As a result, the HSE is calling on people who smoke to prepare to take the 28-day #TheLastStop no smoking challenge in March – and local support is available.
Research shows that four in five people (79%) who smoke intend to kick the habit, and those who succeed in quitting for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic was a trigger for some to start smoking again. This is not surprising given that many use smoking as a way of managing stress, but the fact is that smoking does not actually reduce stress but speeds up the heart rate, which increases blood pressure, and increases stress. The good news is that within one to two days of quitting oxygen levels in your body will improve, your blood pressure and pulse reduce which in turn decreases the overall stress on your body.
“The Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Smoking Cessation Service is free and available to you today, to support you to quit smoking,” Anna Burns, Tobacco Control Manager, Health & Wellbeing, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic we have maintained our service, due to the importance of quitting for health. The World Health Organisation stated in 2020 that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers. Quitting immediately reduces the risk of respiratory infection. Smoking further damages blood vessels, and this is linked to the development of more severe symptoms from COVID-19. If you have an existing health condition we particularly encourage you to quit. Your local Smoking Cessation Advisor is there to support you by phone or virtual consultation. It is never too late. Now is the ideal time.”
SUPPORT
The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free support by phone, email, SMS and live chat. Smokers can free call 1800 201 203, FreeText QUIT to 50100 or visit www.QUIT.ie for stop smoking tips and resources, a free QUIT Kit, and to create a QUIT Plan.
Peer-to-peer support is available on the QUIT Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HSEQUIT or on Twitter at HSE QUIT @HSEQuitTeam
You can also contact your local Smoking Cessation service in Kerry by calling Margaret Enright on 087 1219618.
Five Top Tips to Quit Smoking:
1. Prepare to quit: take a moment to write down your reasons for quitting. Keep them close to hand or even stick them on your fridge as a reminder to stay strong.
2. Change your routine and habits - do you normally have a cigarette with a coffee or tea? Then change your routine – have a cup of water instead or hold your cup in the other hand.
3. Keep check on cravings – your craving for nicotine will peak at 3-5 minutes and will pass if you deal with it.
Have your heard of the 4Ds?
· Delay at least 3 – 5 minutes and the urge will pass,
· Drink a glass of water or fruit juice,
· Distract yourself, move away from the situation,
· Deep breathe – breathe slowly and deeply.
4. Get by with a little help from your friends – supportive friends, family and even work colleagues could make all the difference to you on your QUIT journey.
5. The single best advice is to help yourself QUIT by getting support from the QUIT Team. Our service is available to everyone and is free of charge. By using a support service like our makes you twice as likely to succeed.
Tributes paid following the passing of pioneering Killarney journalist John O’Mahony
Killarney woke on Wednesday morning to the sad news of the passing of John O’Mahony, the highly respected veteran journalist and founder of KillarneyToday.com, following an illness.
John was a central figure in Kerry media for more than four decades. He first stepped into a newsroom in 1983 as a junior reporter with the Now and Then newspaper, a publication that later rebranded as The Kingdom.
His talent and nose for a story saw him rise through the ranks to become editor and eventually managing editor, overseeing massive circulation growth and steering the paper to multiple national industry awards.
In 2011, John and his wife, Geraldine, established O’Mahony Media, combining their strengths to run a highly successful news, public relations, and corporate training agency. Shortly after, with Geraldine managing the administration side of the business, they launched KillarneyToday.com.
Beyond his digital news platform, John was deeply embedded in the civic life of his hometown. He served as the primary press officer for major local events run by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, working behind the scenes to promote the Christmas in Killarney festivals and the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Throughout his long career, his byline appeared in nearly every national publication in Ireland. He acted as the eyes and ears of the county for titles such as The Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Irish Examiner, and the Sunday World. He was also a highly regarded political commentator on national airwaves, appearing frequently as an analyst on RTÉ Radio’s Vincent Browne Show and the Pat Kenny Show.
While John was a trusted hand during high-stakes election campaigns and referenda, and interviewed international stars, political leaders, and public figures, his true passion lay in finding unique, light-hearted human-interest pieces. He took great pride in tracking down eccentric stories that put Kerry on the map, such as reporting on “Big Bertha,” Ireland’s oldest cow, discovering a cigarette-loving chicken named Henrietta in Killorglin, and finding a newlywed couple who brought their giant pet pot-bellied pig, Cilla, on their Killarney honeymoon, a story that famously made the front page of every major daily newspaper in Ireland and Britain on the same morning.
Leading the local tributes, Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke of the profound loss to the district.
“John was a Killarney man to the core and a journalist of the highest calibre,” Mayor Grady said. “Through Killarney Today, he provided an invaluable service to the people of Killarney and County Kerry, keeping communities informed, connected and engaged with everything that mattered in our town and county.”
“Whether covering sport, politics, community events, breaking news or local developments, John had an unrivalled passion for Killarney and its people. He was always current, always engaged, and always committed to telling the stories that reflected the life and spirit of our community.”
The Mayor added that John’s professionalism and deep love for his hometown ensured that local voices always had a platform.
“Above all else, John was a true gentleman. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, and he earned the admiration and friendship of so many throughout Kerry and beyond. His passing leaves a great void in our community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and by the many people who relied on his reporting each day. On behalf of the people of Killarney, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Geraldine, his daughter Molly, his extended family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. May John O’Mahony rest in peace. His contribution to Killarney will not be forgotten.”
