“Weedless Wednesday” on January 18 Highlights Opportunities to Quit Smoking
Written by admin, January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017 – National Non-Smoking Week Runs January 15-21
January 18 is Weedless Wednesday, an annual event held during National Non-Smoking Week (January 15 – 21, 2017) encourages those who smoke to give quitting another try for one day.
For those who have committed to quit smoking in 2017, this is an ideal time to strengthen your New Year’s intention or recommit if you’ve fallen off track. It may also be a good time for those who are struggling or trying to quit on their own to consider accessing tobacco cessation support services available in the community.
On Weedless Wednesday (January 18, 2017) Peterborough Public Health is partnering with the STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) Program to offer five weeks of cost-free nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation information.
“Reaching for a cigarette is not solely a function of choice,” said Mary Pat Cannon, Public Health Nurse in the Tobacco Use Prevention program. “Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes makes going without a cigarette downright uncomfortable.”
To help manage withdrawal, Peterborough Public Health makes cost-free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available, improving chances of success. Cannon explained that “while using NRT, it can be easier to take control of triggers or cues to smoke, for example rather than taking a smoke break, socialize with friends and co-workers in a non-smoking environment, and if stress builds go for a walk or find some ‘down time’ for yourself. It helps to think about life as a non-smoker … one day, one craving at a time!”
To register for the STOP Program and for more information on local quit smoking supports available, please contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 330 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Mary Pat Cannon, Public Health Nurse
Tobacco Use Prevention Program
705-743-1000, ext. 217