Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
January 19, 2015
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for all Citizens
Provincial Government Marks National Non-Smoking Week
Sooner or Later, Everybody Quits is the theme of National Non-Smoking Week (January 18-24) and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, is encouraging smokers in Newfoundland and Labrador to take the opportunity to choose their own quit date - before it's chosen for them.
"Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it's never too late to quit. Very often, it is a difficult process - and it doesn't always happen with the first quit attempt. The Provincial Government allocated almost $1.2 million in 2014-15 to support specific programs and services designed to help people quit smoking, and to prevent them from ever starting. We know that a healthier population today means a reduced burden on the health care system tomorrow - but more importantly, it means an increased opportunity to live a longer, happier, healthier life."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
In October 2014, the Provincial Government launched a $700,000 Provincial Smoking Cessation Program for Individuals with Low Income, which has already seen more than 800 eligible adults have access to two smoking cessation medications (Champix or Zyban) to help them in their effort to quit. The province also provides $210,000 annually to the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and $220,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association's Provincial Smokers' Helpline (1-800-363-5864), which hears from about 1,400 individual callers each year. Services can also be accessed via www.smokershelp.net
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Minister Jackman noted that tobacco control in Newfoundland and Labrador takes a comprehensive approach that includes public education, cessation, legislation, school and community policies and programs and the taxation of tobacco products. Through these combined efforts, the rate of smoking in this province has decreased from 28.5 per cent in 1999 to 19.7 per cent for those aged 15 and older. While this is still high, the good news is that the rate among those aged 15-19 has gone from almost 30 per cent to just over 12 per cent, while the rate for those aged 20-24 has gone from about 38 per cent to 24 per cent.
"Availing of the Helpline services does increase the likelihood that a person will successfully quit. Trained counsellors provide tailored advice and support depending on where a person is in the quitting process. We invite individuals to call the Helpline or check out our website to obtain information or counselling services. It is important to note that every quit attempt brings a person closer to their goal of living smoke free."
Mary Lynn Pender, Director, NL Lung Association's Smokers' Helpline
The purpose of National Non-Smoking Week is to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking; prevent people from starting; helping people quit; promoting the right of individuals to breathe air unpolluted by smoking, and to de-normalize tobacco products and tobacco use. National Non-Smoking Week includes the promotion of "Weedless Wednesday" on January 21.
For more information on programs and services in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/wellnesshealthyliving/tobaccocontrol.html.
QUICK FACTS
- Sooner or Later, Everybody Quits is the theme of National Non-Smoking Week (January 18-24).
- The purpose of National Non-Smoking Week is to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking; prevent people from starting; helping people quit; promoting the right of individuals to breathe air unpolluted by smoking, and to de-normalize tobacco products and tobacco use.
- In 2014-15, the Provincial Government is investing almost $1.2 million to support specific programs and services designed to help people quit smoking, and to prevent them from ever starting.
- For more information on programs and services in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/wellnesshealthyliving/tobaccocontrol.html.
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Media contacts:
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Heather May
Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Mary Lynn Pender
Director, NL Smokers' Helpline Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association 709-726-4664, Ext. 216 Marylynn.pender@nf.lung.ca |
2015 01 19 11:15 a.m.