This is National Non-Smoking Week.
Quitting smoking is rarely accomplished in one attempt.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says it can take between seven and 30 attempts to break the addiction for good but that perseverance will pay off.
Public Health is encouraging tobacco users and vapers to use the week to make an attempt to stop smoking.
Benefits of quitting smoking or vaping include lower blood pressure, improved senses of taste and smell, and a reduced risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease.
Making a quit attempt is especially important as COVID-19, influenza and RSV continue to circulate in the community.
Respiratory viruses impact an individual’s lungs and quitting smoking or vaping can help reduce the chances of experiencing more severe symptoms from these illnesses.
Research shows that if smokers become sick with COVID-19, they are at greater risk of severe symptoms, ICU admissions, and death.
Immediate benefits of quitting can be experienced within 20 minutes after your last cigarette and can continue to be seen for up to 15 years.
HPEPH says don’t quit quitting! There are many supports and services available to help people quit:
- HPEPH’s “We Can Quit” and “STOP Addictions” programs are available by calling 1-800-267-2803, ext. 600, or 613-966-5500, ext. 600. Free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available for eligible individuals.
- Trained quit specialists are available by calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
- Online resources can be found at smokershelpline.ca where you can also chat with a trained quit coach.
- Canadian Addictions and Mental Health also offers the STOP on the Net program, which offers online support and four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy nicotinedependenceclinic.
- Youth friendly support is available through the Quash app at quashapp.com, and local high school students can contact their school Public Health Nurse to discuss quit options. Students should contact their guidance office to learn more.
For more information about any of these support resources, you can contact HPEPH’s Tobacco Talk Line at 613-966-5500, ext. 600, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaping or hpePublicHealth.ca/quit-smoking-progr
