Award has Oldham doctor all fired-up about cigarettes

An Oldham GP will use the receipt of a national honour to call on the vaping industry to 'continue to do all they can to extinguish smoking in pregnancy forever'.

Dr Anita Sharma, from South Chadderton, has won the Most Supportive Public Health Professional prize, which was due to be presented at the UKVIA Awards in London on September 9.

But while recent events meant a postponement of the ceremony, Dr Sharma intends to use its rearranged date to make a passionate appeal to prevent around 10% of babies being born to smokers.

“Responsible vaping has proved an effective method of helping smokers quit the habit, which is why the NHS recommends it as an alternative to cigarettes,” said Dr Sharma.

“I like the way the industry clamps-down on backstreet sellers, will not tolerate underage usage, and only promotes vaping for those already smoking.

"That shows it cares.

"Now I would like it to join with me in making sure all babies are born smokefree.”

According to the NHS, ceasing smoking during pregnancy can reduce birth complications, lower the risk of stillbirth, help prevent premature births and also lessen the danger of cot death.

Thanks to a range of campaigns, smoking during pregnancy has fallen to the lowest rate on record, but it remains an issue, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

“Low-income families are still not receiving the right information or support," added Dr Sharma.

"And I think there is scope for more research as to why that is and what can be done about it.

"Stopping smoking is one of the hardest things a patient faces, only made easier by having someone around to help you.”

Leading Oldham vaping company I-Breathe helped kick-off Dr Sharma’s Endometriosis Awareness North charity last year with a World Cup soccer tournament fundraiser.

“The issue with endometriosis, which affects one in ten women of childbearing age, is that the public is unaware of what it does and the torment and misery it creates," she continued.

"Lack of awareness means lack of care and money to research why and how it happens – which is why it can take seven-years of debilitating pain to get the right treatment.

"I-Breathe helped us to get the ball rolling and what was particularly pleasing was that a largely male workforce showed they wanted to solve a female health problem.”

The UKVIA Industry Recognition Awards salutes those individuals and organisations who have done so much to promote and progress the vaping sector.

The event is now scheduled for October and Dr Sharma will tell delegates: “Awards that honour our public servants are always welcome because they remind society of how so many of us go the extra mile.

"This award has also given me the platform to speak about an issue that, as a campaigner for women’s health, is so important.

"I am glad the industry has been so open to doing its bit to stop the scourge of cigarettes ruining even unborn lives.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.