Public Health Week call on tobacco, vaccination, and home healthcare

Making a statement on the occasion of September 3-9 Public Health Week, Dr. İsmet Keşküş issued three key appeals to citizens regarding the harms of tobacco use, adult vaccination, and home healthcare services.

The Importance of Preventive Health Services

Experts pointed out that physicians' duties are not only to diagnose and treat diseases, but that major health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes can be prevented with precautions to be taken.

Tobacco Use and Cessation Methods

It was emphasized that tobacco use is a major public health issue affecting both the user and those around them. It was stated that exposure to secondhand smoke also carries serious health risks.

Stating that it is never too late to quit smoking, experts reminded that support is provided through medication, nicotine replacement, and psychosocial counseling at the hospital's Smoking Cessation Clinic.

The Role of Vaccination in Adulthood

Contrary to the misconception in society that vaccines belong solely to childhood, it was noted that vaccines such as tetanus-diphtheria, influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles are also needed during adulthood.

It was stated that it is of great importance, especially for elderly citizens and individuals with chronic diseases, to review their vaccination status with their physicians.

Home Healthcare Services and Scope

Underlining that home healthcare services are not an alternative to emergency health services, it was reported that the 112 Emergency Call Center must be called in emergencies. Operating from two centers located in the main building and the Sema Yazar District Polyclinic, the service is provided with a total of 8 teams.