Fantastic #tobacco #harmreduction communications from @BBCOne's new #HealthCheckUKLive today. The programme followed Ace, a heavy #smoker, as he decided to #quit #smoking and #switch to #vaping.

Watch from 6m30s to 13m25s and 23m 50s to 33m.
1/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000gz14/healthcheck-uk-live-series-1-episode-4

The discussion in the studio between @xandvt and @MichAckerley recognised that #smokers who want to #quit are facing increased stress and anxiety which may feel like a barrier. Xand and Michelle also recognised and valued people's increased desire to #QuitForCovid.
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Presenter @kevduala followed Ace, who was #smoking 40 - 60 #cigarettes a day. Like many people, Ace had concerns about the safety of #vaping. He was reassured by accurate information from Nick Hopkinson @COPDdoc - plus a demo of the effect of vapour vs. smoke on the lungs.
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Understanding the harm that #smoking was causing his body, and feeling reassured that #vaping was a #safer option, Ace - who had previously failed to quit using NRT patches/gum - agreed to give #vaping a go. He adapted quickly and stuck with it.
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It was great to see Ace telling @kevduala how much healthier he feels after #switching from #smoking to #vaping. He intends to continue reducing his #nicotine levels.

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The coverage concluded with a studio discussion between @xandvt, @MichAckerley
and @DrLinda_P exploring #psychological and #behavioural strategies for breaking habits at a time when people may be deciding to prioritise and address their health and wellbeing.
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Supporting Ace to #switch was #tobacco #harmreduction in action - and it was brilliant to see it broadcast to a @BBCOne audience.

Congratulations to the whole team at #HealthCheckUKLive @BBCOne for giving your viewers evidence-based information which could save many lives.

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