Today is World No Tobacco Day and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the World Health Organization and health partners around the world are reminding everyone that tobacco is the ultimate “heartbreaker” and it is time for those who are addicted to break up with tobacco.

As part of World No Tobacco Day, the Health Unit is joining the global effort to highlight the links between tobacco and heart disease, as well as other cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. When combined, these diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. The use of tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke contribute to about 12% of all heart disease-related deaths.

“We know that breaking a tobacco addiction is challenging, but with the right supports and a good plan in place, it can be done”, says Linda Stobo, Manager of Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “If you’re already thinking about quitting, World No Tobacco Day is a great day to challenge yourself to quit for one day. That one step may be all it takes to begin your break up with tobacco addiction.”

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Monitoring Report, 43% of Ontario smokers made one or more serious quit attempts in the past year. The report also highlighted that about six in 10 smokers in the province intended to quit in the next six months. World No Tobacco Day provides a great opportunity for those who already want to quit, to take a first step in breaking free of their tobacco addiction.

Those who want to quit can talk to their healthcare provider to learn more about the community supports available that can assist in making a successful quit attempt. There are also many Family Health Teams and Community Health Centres in the Middlesex-London region that offer quit smoking services. As trained professionals, pharmacists can provide smoking cessation counselling and can prescribe free quit-smoking medications to individuals who qualify through the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan. Those seeking to break their addiction can also speak directly with a Quit Coach at Smokers’ Help Line by calling 1-877-513-5333, seven days a week in English, French and many other languages. The Smokers’ Help Line can also be accessed online at www.smokershelpline.ca.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit offers tobacco cessation counselling and free nicotine replacement therapy through its Tobacco Quit Clinic and STOP Workshops. The next workshop is scheduled for June 25th, 2018. To learn more about Health Unit resources and tobacco cessation services, call 519-663-5317, extension HELP (4357).

Media Contact:

Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext.2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:

Linda Stobo, Program Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control