BRUSSELS, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

World's first in-flight smoking cessation card helps travellers become 'Unstoppable'

The European Commission announced a new phase in its highly successful smoking cessation campaign, "Ex-Smokers are Unstoppable" (http://www.exsmokers.eu) by launching the world's first in-flight smoking cessation card. This valuable health information card will support smokers to overcome cravings during their flight and encourage them in their onward journey to stay smoke free for life.

This new health tool, available in-flight to airline passengers across Europe has been developed in partnership with TAP Portugal, the European Lung Foundation (ELF), the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and Education for Health and responds to new study findings revealing that more than one third (40.7%) of Europeans believe their smoking habit negatively impacts on their flying experience.^[1]

The tool offers motivational health advice to passengers who are smoke free for their flight, to encourage and inspire them to become ex-smokers for the love of life.  The card also includes links to further resources and support for smokers, such as the "Ex-Smokers are Unstoppable" dedicated website and iCoach, an interactive online tool providing tailored support.

European Commissioner for Health and Consumers, John Dalli said "The launch of the "Ex-Smokers are Unstoppable" and TAP Portugal in-flight smoking cessation card is an innovative initiative in the second year of this campaign. Using the time spent on a plane to reflect upon all you have to gain from quitting tobacco is indeed a good idea! Actions such as this help us towards our objective of raising awareness about the benefits of a life without smoking."

Speaking of the in-flight cessation card, Monica Fletcher, Chair of the European Lung Foundation and CEO, Education for Health said "This is an exciting and valuable initiative that both the ELF and ERS are delighted to be a part of. We hope the practical tips and advice we have developed will enable smokers to take a firm decision to become ex-smokers by the time they reach their destinations."

The EU-wide campaign "Ex-Smokers are Unstoppable" uniquely shifts the focus from the dangers of smoking to the positive benefits of quitting, highlighting the inspirational achievements of ex-smokers. The campaign is aimed at the 28 million EU smokers in the 25 to 34 age range and is powered by iCoach, an innovative digital health platform and a proven tool.

As the campaign prepares to celebrate its 1^st year anniversary it has achieved considerable success, with now more than 173,000 iCoach registrations to date, more than 1 in every thousand smokers across Europe is actively seeking support to quit via this dedicated interactive tool. iCoach works by analysing the smoking habits of its users and provides personalised support and advice on a daily basis. Significantly, iCoach users reveal that the average smoker lacks the confidence needed to successfully quit, further reinforcing the value of the European Commission's innovative and motivational campaign.

"The most important health intervention of our time is smoking cessation." said Professor Christina
Gratziou, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee and Associate Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in Athens University. "To support a smoke-free Europe, we must work together to approach smoking cessation from all angles; via training for healthcare professionals, integrated treatment programmes, public awareness campaigns and partnerships at a national and pan-EU level. This new 'in-flight smoking cessation card' offers a perfect example of such a collaborative initiative set to make a real difference to the health of Europe."

Further Information:

The Public Health Portal of the European Union:

http://health.europa.eu

The Public Health website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/health/tobacco/policy/index_en.htm

1. Data on file. May 2012

Media Enquiries:

Orla Barnewell, orla.barnewell@toniclc.com, +44(0)20-7798-9900

SOURCE Ex-Smokers are Unstoppable Campaign