Public Health Guidance from NICE
April 20, 2006 on 10:43 am | In Prescribing Extra - Other |
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The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on Smoking Cessation and Physical Activity.
This guidance is the first to be issued by NICE in a new category called Public Health Intervention Guidance. A quick reference guide for healthcare professionals is available for both topics.
The Smoking Cessation guidance recommends:
- using simple opportunistic advice to all smokers
- assessing a patients commitment to stopping smoking
- offering pharmacological and/or behavioural support
- provision of self help materials and referral to specialist services
The Physical Activity guidance recommends:
- encouraging physical activity for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week where appropriate
- taking into account an individuals needs, preferences and circumstances
- endorsing exercise referral schemes that are part of properly conducted studies designed to assess efficacy
- encouraging participation in properly run walking and cycling schemes
- endorsing use of pedometers in properly conducted studies designed to assess efficacy
Action: All healthcare professionals should be encouraging patients to undertake more physical activity and to stop smoking. This guidance makes clear recommendations about how this can be accomplished.
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