Innovative Smoking Cessation Program for Pregnant Women & Women with Young Children
Written by admin, January 6, 2015
January 6, 2014 – Next Program Starts January 14 for Local Women
Quitting smoking isn’t any easier when you’re pregnant. Thanks to a new partnership between Peterborough Public Health and the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), local area women who are pregnant or have young children have more options to help them quit smoking and to stay smoke free.
The Choose to Be…Smoke Free quit smoking program is tailored specifically for women, incorporating best practices, women’s knowledge of their community and lived experiences.
“We find that women who are pregnant or just finished pregnancy are very motivated for healthy lifestyle changes. This government funding allows more women to access this great smoking cessation program and we are very pleased to be part of it,” said Dr. Joan Himann, Lead Physician with PIPC.
“Pregnant women who are trying to quit smoking report feeling guilty, ashamed and alone,” said Mary Pat Fasken, Public Health Nurse. “That is why we are thrilled to be a part of this innovative program that combines behavioural counselling and group support with access to free nicotine replacement therapy, made possible with funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.” Other key program components include free transportation, help with childcare, positive smoke free resources, women-centred quit kits, opportunities for social networking, and incentives such as weekly gift cards for a grocery store or pharmacy.
Local rates of smoking throughout pregnancy are higher in Peterborough County and City than the provincial average. The Choose to Be…Smoke Free program helps women identify barriers and opportunities for change, build confidence and motivation, ultimately improving their chances of meeting smoking cessation goals and living smoke free.
“The good news is it’s never too late to quit smoking. There are benefits to quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy.”
For more information about the Choose to Be…Smoke Free program or to register for the next group that begins January 14, 2015, contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391