Almost 400 smokers signed up to RAUORA study

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Lakes District Health Board (DHB) Pou Herenga, Eru George, is pleased to see so many Maori and whanau of Maori who smoke, signing up to the RAUORA stop smoking study.

"Supporting Maori to achieve better health outcomes is very important and this research helps do this," said George.

The study was launched late in 2017 and is undertaken by Lakes DHB in conjunction with the University of Auckland and Brunel University London. The study compares two medicines that can help people quit smoking (cytisine and varenicline, also known by their brand names - Tabex and Champix).

Both medicines work in the body by reducing the unpleasant feelings people can get when they haven't had a cigarette for a while.

"The DHB is committed to helping people in our region give up smoking," said Dr Barry Smith, who is a member of the research team.

"Too often we see people, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 65 years, have their lives negatively impacted because they develop heart disease, cancer, and/or severe breathing problems because of their smoking. These people are too young to be sick, and certainly too young to die. We want our people to have a long and a good quality life so they can be around to share their knowledge and wisdom with their whanau and friends – especially their mokopuna! This is why quitting smoking is so important."

If you're interesting in finding out more about RAUORA go to https://rauora.nihi.auckland.ac.nz, call 0800 367 644, free text: 'your name' + 'RAUORA' to 4073, Email: rauoratrial@auckland.ac.nz or for to Facebook: @RAUORAtrial.

All medicine is provided free.