[Smoking and doctors: from 'therapeutic panacea' to 'tobacco use discouragement in the individual'].
In The Netherlands smoking will be prohibited in bars, restaurants, pubs and enclosed public spaces on 1 July 2008, in accordance with European legislation. Smoking is already not allowed in most Dutch hospitals. Europeans have a long history of tobacco smoking, going back to the introduction of this habit by Columbus. For centuries tobacco was used as a medicine, and later as a recreational drug, especially after the introduction of the cigarette. There was no scientific understanding of the harmful effects of smoking until the 19th century, when nicotine was isolated and recognised as a poison. Despite the fact that health care professionals represent a valuable resource for tobacco control, doctors have generally shown a poor appreciation of their critical role in smoking control. A decreasing smoking prevalence in the general population however, will emphasize the function of physicians as role model.
Mulder
W J
WJ
Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht. w.mulder@home.nl
D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D011634:Public Health; D012147:Restaurants; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000401:mortality; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution