Health unit urges people to quit smoking, and take Break It Off challenge

This is National Non-Smoking Week and the Grey Bruce Health Unit is highlighting ways local residents can get support to quit smoking for good.

The focus of this special week is on helping people quit smoking and preventing people from starting to smoke. To do that, health units across southwestern Ontario are featuring inspiring quit-smoking stories.

Through the “Start Your Quit Story” campaign, people have been sharing their personal stories about quitting. Matthew quit smoking in 2013 and says he “tried to quit many times over the years. But, it is worth it to keep fighting because once you get there, the victory is worth all the failure.”

You can find Matthew’s full story, tips for quitting and support, on the Facebook page Start Your Quit Story. This is also a great place to share your story if you have quit smoking or if you’re thinking about quitting.

Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society have launched the Ultimate Break it Off Challenge to encourage young adults to quit smoking and stay smoke-free. Young adults (age 18-29) can register for the contest in one of three categories including quitting smoking, staying smoke-free, or supporting a friend in the quit journey by Feb. 6, 2020.

Draws for cash prizes of $1000, $500, and $250 will take place March 20. Registration can be completed at /breakitoff.ca/. Register for the challenge and start your quit-smoking story today!

Other free supports that are available:

● Call a quit coach at 1-866-797-000 through Telehealth’s quit-smoking program
● Join Smokers’ Helpline on-line community at www.smokershelpline.ca
● Text iQuit to 123456 for texting support
● Some doctors’ offices or pharmacies

For more information on any of these quit-smoking programs visit www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca or call 1-800-263-3456.