tobacco-related illnesses -- lung cancer, heart and respiratory problems among them.

Yet, despite a wealth of medical and scientific information on the dangers of smoking, millions remain enslaved to the habit.

While some feel the dangers do not apply to them and others seek refuge in excuses for why they "can't'' quit, most smokers do want to end their addiction.

Not only do they wish for a healthier lifestyle, but the tide of public opinion has made today's smoker something of a social leper. Restaurants, theatres, cinemas, hospitals, government buildings, offices and public transportation are just some of the areas where smoking is either restricted or banned.

Cigarette smoke contains nearly 4,000 chemicals, and secondary smoke (inhaling a smoker's output) is equally harmful, especially to children, in whom it can create serious respiratory problems and ear infections.

How much smoking affects Bermuda's health is best illustrated by a hospital doctor's remark that "if people stopped smoking we could close half the beds in the hospital''.

With its goal of a smoke-free world by the year 2000, the World Health Organisation has declared May 31 World No-Tobacco Day.

"It is a day when we invite smokers to quit smoking for 24 hours,'' Government health co-ordinator, Mrs. Ivena Laurenceo, explained. "As a result of not smoking that day smokers may decide to extend it to two days, and even a fortnight. In fact, thousands of people around the globe stop smoking as a result of World No-Tobacco Day.'' Noting that the Department of Health, Social Services and Housing's theme this year was: Health Services -- our window to a tobacco-free world, Mrs.

Laurenceo said personnel would use the occasion to provide the public with free information and practical assistance in their bid to stop smoking.

"Health care workers are in a unique position and they have a unique responsibility to help people stop smoking and care for their health,'' she said. "Since time began people have looked to health care professionals when they are ill, so why not help them to maintain good health in this way?'' Explaining that all health care givers, including doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists, could assist in World No-Tobacco Day, Mrs. Laurenceo stated that literature had been distributed to doctors' and dentists' offices with guidelines on how to encourage patients to quit smoking.

In addition, her department would be manning a special "quit smoking'' booth in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's foyer, where free literature, a video show, a quit-smoking quiz, stickers and balloons would be available to the public.

Information booths would also be set up in Hamilton outside the Bermuda Library, on Court Street, and in the Washington Mall.

Best of all, perhaps, Government is offering a seven-session, four-week smoke cessation course in June-July, also free of charge.

"Hour-long sessions will take place on Mondays and Thursdays and people will have two time choices: either they can come during the lunch hour or after work,'' said Mrs. Laurenceo. Potential quitters and those who previously took a course but started again are all welcome.

"We encourage people to keep trying because we understand how difficult it is for some to quit smoking,'' the health co-ordinator said.

Explaining there would be no preaching at or haranguing of participants, Mrs.

Laurenceo said the course would provide information, guidance and assistance in a friendly atmosphere.

"We will help people to identify the reasons why they smoke and then, after they have stopped smoking with the help of the patch, how to use alternative behaviours instead of a cigarette.

"The course is one where the group process really works. Members help each other to find ways of having a life without cigarettes. They do not have to listen to lectures, and there is no coercion. We allow people to make their own decisions as to how they will get a cigarette-free life.'' She also pointed out that World No-Tobacco Day was not just aimed at smokers.

Non-smokers had a supportive role to play, such as removing cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays from the smoker's presence, not teasing the smoker, or tempting him/her to smoke.

Smokers trying to quit had to restructure their lives by taking steps towards a smoke-free goal. These include removing ashtrays, lighters and matches from sight and buying a packet instead of a carton.

Acknowledging that a smoke-free world by the year 2000 was a lofty goal, she explained the World Health Organisation initiated the programme in the US in 1988 by targeting youngsters in schools. The campaign is also supported by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.

"The joint effort is to try and teach children who started school in 1988 to develop a healthy lifestyle so that when they grow up they are smoke-free.

They want children to be ambitious for a smoke-free society.'' A similar programme was now operating throughout Bermuda's Government school system, the health co-ordinator said.

For registration and information on the free smoking cessation course, contact Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (tel. 236-0224 ext. 355).