ALTHOUGH three million smokers in Britain have given up over the last decade, this country has the highest rates of smoking-related diseases in the world. Many smokers want to give up, and the emphasis should be on 'how', rather than 'why'. Health authorities should adopt smoking policies, develop smoking cessation schemes, provide practi cal support for GPs and health visitors and support self-help groups. The role and status of health education units should be strengthened. A target reduction in smoking of 1.0-1.5 per cent a year is proposed.
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