KOTA BARU: Ramadan is the best time for Muslims to quit smoking.
Abstinence from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset, said Prof Dr Zulkifli Ahmad of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), would help build one's resistance against the urge to light up.
He said the most crucial part of the day came after the breaking of fast.
Dr Zulkifli said the hours should be filled with activities like tarawih prayers that could keep the mind away from smoking.
He was speaking after the opening of Kem Nafas Baru Ramadhan, a quit smoking camp for USM Health campus staff at Kubang Kerian here yesterday.
Among the activities during the two-day camp are motivational talks, discussions and former smokers sharing their experiences on how they managed to kick the habit.
Fifty smokers aged between 20 and 50 are taking part. One of the smokers is a woman.
Dr Zulkifli gave some tips on ways not to light up during the crucial hours after the breaking of fast.
He said one could perform prayers and other beneficial activities, avoid friends who smoked, enlist support from family members, drink lots of water and chew candy.
USM Hospital runs a quit smoking clinic every Tuesday afternoon.
 
(published: 29/9/2006)