Nora willing to support anti-smoking drive
After Nora Aunor promised to support Philippine Medical Association’s (PMA) “Smoke-free Philippines” campaign, the superstar was rushed to the hospital last Tuesday October 4 due to breathing difficulties.
A “TV Patrol” report says Nora was first thought to have gotten sick due to fatigue and climate change but was later diagnosed with pneumonia.
Nora was first rushed to the Medical City and was then transferred to Cardinal Santos Hospital to seek medical attention.
No more smoking
Before she was hospitalized, Nora recently met with Fr. Robert Reyes a "Smoke Free Philippines" advocate and vowed to support the anti-smoking campaign once she stops smoking.
“Kapag nagkaroon ka ng campaign na bawal manigarilyo lalo na sa mga bata, kabataan, puwede naman akong tumulong diyan,” Nora said in an interview with “TV Patrol.”
Nora’s decision came on the heels of her controversial pose on a magazine cover where she was shown holding a cigarette. PMA and other smoking campaign volunteers such as running priest Fr. Robert Reyes criticized her, saying that the photo could send a wrong message to others.
Nora noted she should first stop smoking before she promotes the advocacy.
“Yun nga lang, hindi ko magagawa nang naninigarilyo din ako. Kailangan huminto ako. Sabi ko kay Father, hihinto ako, Father, pagkatapos no'n tutulong ako sa inyo kung ano ang layunin niyo,” Nora added.
The running priest thanked her for her willingness to support the campaign.
“Kung sasabihin mo sa mga kabataan, (na) ganito ang gawin nila. Mas pakikinggan ka nila, kahit sa akin. Thank you for asking for this,” Fr. Reyes told Nora.
Philippine Medical Association support
The PMA promised to help Nora overcome her smoking habit with a free smoke cessation program.
“The PMA will help Ms. Nora Aunor stop smoking. We intend to help Nora start a free medically-supervised smoke cessation program. We are ooking forward for the Superstar to join the PMA’s smoke free and healthy lifestyle advocacy very soon. We wish her well,” PMA’s press statement says.
Doctors have advised Nora to stop smoking and to stay in the hospital for two weeks. According to “TV Patrol,” Nora is currently in quarantine to keep her from catching viruses. Her condition has stabilized and Nora has regained her appetite.
