National Non-Smoking Week

Posted on Wednesday, January 4, 2023

January 16 to 20 is national non-smoking week

This year, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding tobacco users and vapers that quitting takes practice… so practice often! This National Non-Smoking Week, we encourage everyone to make a quit attempt, even if you haven’t been successful in the past! It may take between seven and 30 attempts before you break the addiction for good, so if at first you don’t succeed, try again! Your perseverance will pay off, since quitting smoking or vaping is one of the best things a person can do for their health.

Making a quit attempt is more important than ever. All respiratory viruses – such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 impact an individual’s lungs. Quitting smoking or vaping can help reduce your chances of experiencing more severe symptoms of these illnesses. In addition, the benefits of quitting can be experienced within 20 minutes after your last cigarette and can continue to be seen for up to 15 years.

Don’t quit quitting! There are many supports and services available to help people quit.

HPEPH’s own “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.com.
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. Contact your 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-program.