Muslims encouraged to give up smoking for Ramadan (From Watford Observer)

Muslims encouraged to give up smoking for Ramadan

9:00am Monday 16th July 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Muslims in Watford are being encouraged to quit smoking during this month’s Ramadan fasting period.

Ramadan will take place for 30 days from July 20 and NHS Hertfordshire will be offering a free support service to help smokers go cold turkey.

The NHS stop smoking service has teamed up with mosques, religious leaders and community representatives to raise awareness of the help available.

Mir Ejaz, from the Watford Muslim Community Project, supports the campaign.

He said: “Local religious leaders and community representatives are in a unique position to raise awareness of heart disease among the Muslim community during Ramadan.

“Fasting during the month of Ramadan provides a great opportunity to encourage a healthy lifestyle and to make positive changes.”

For more information on NHS Hertfordshire’s Stop Smoking Services, please call 0800 3893998.