London, ON – Today is Weedless Wednesday, the mid-point of National Non-Smoking Week, and the Middlesex-London Health Unit is encouraging those who use tobacco to quit all forms of the substance for at least 24 hours. Quitting tobacco, even for just one day, can be a challenge, and it can take many quit attempts before someone can be successful in quitting for good. That’s why access to services and supports are so important in helping those who want to stay tobacco-free. This Weedless Wednesday there are several initiatives designed to encourage and support tobacco users who are interested in quitting.
Leave the Pack Behind’s annual wouldurather… contest is open to young adults aged 18 to 29 who are registered students at publically-funded Ontario universities and colleges. Participants can enter the contest to win up to $2,500 by quitting tobacco completely, reducing their tobacco use by half, refraining from tobacco when socializing with friends or partying, or by staying completely tobacco-free. To register, visit www.wouldurather.ca and sign up before 11:59 pm on January 24, 2016.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s First Week Challenge Contest is open to all regular tobacco users 19 years of age or older. The contest encourages tobacco users to quit for the first week of the month for a chance to win $500. Participants can register for the First Week Challenge Contest by the end of each month by visiting www.FirstWeekChallenge.ca, or by calling the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.
“These initiatives are a great way to support individuals across Middlesex-London with their quit attempt” says Sarah Neil, Public Health Nurse. “The wouldurather… contest provides participants with motivational emails and support from a buddy, while the First Week Challenge Contest also offers supportive emails, as well as an online quit centre and access to Quit Coaches at the Smokers’ Helpline”.
For more information on the supports and services available for quitting tobacco, including a workshop taking place on Wednesday January 27th, call the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Quit Clinic at 519-663-5317 ext. HELP (4357) or visit www.healthunit.com/quitting.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Sarah Neil, Public Health Nurse, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control