Health unit promotes "wouldurather ..." tobacco contest for young adults

In partnership with Leave The Pack Behind, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is promoting the six-week "wouldurather…" contest for young adults, aged 18-29.

Participants have the chance to win grand prizes worth up to $5,000 with an early bird prize of $500 available for those who register before Dec. 31, 2016.

Young adults currently have the highest smoking rates at 18.4 per cent, compared to the general population at 16.1 per cent.

“It is important to reach young adults early to help them quit for good, realize the dangers of social smoking or convince them to remain tobacco-free”, says Jason Cranny, youth advisor with the health unit.

Last year, more than 8,600 young adults entered the "wouldurather… contest." Up to 20 per cent of those who enter the contest will quit smoking, compared with a five-per-cent success rate for those who quit on their own.

Promoters of Leave The Pack Behind recognize that not everyone is ready to quit smoking entirely, which is why the "wouldurather…" contest offers the opportunity for participants to choose from one of four categories; Quit For Good, Keep The Count, Party Without The Smoke and Don’t Start and Win.

All contestants have the option to identify a “buddy” who will act as social support during the contest and will receive support E-mails tailored to their goals.

Registration is open at wouldurather.ca until Jan. 22, 2017, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.