12 Jan 2009
We welcome the New Year knowing that four important prevention and protection initiatives that we championed in 2008 will undoubtedly reduce the number of our friends and family who will die from a tobacco-related illness in the coming years.
The first big win of the year rolled out in May when the Smoke-Free Ontario Act ban on the display of tobacco products took effect. It made it mandatory that cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products be kept out of sight at retailers. This was an important move to help keep youth tobacco free. The sheer number of tobacco products on display had sent youth the message that smoking is a popular and accepted behaviour. The reality is only one in five people 12 years and older smoke and most of them want to quit.
A second tobacco marketing loophole was closed late in the year with a decision by the provincial government to ban the sale of single cigarillos in stores. Tobacco companies have been producing cigarillos in candy and fruit flavours and packaging them individually for sale for as little as $1. The result was that the flavouring made them an attractive product for young people to try at an affordable price, yet cigarillos are as dangerous and addictive as other forms of tobacco.
In the fall, a groundswell of support to protect children from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke resulted in an amendment to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, making it illegal to smoke or have lit tobacco products when in a vehicle with anyone under the age of 16. The law goes into effect January 21, 2009.
Locally, the health unit and school boards in Simcoe and Muskoka worked to increase awareness and compliance with the law that bans smoking on school property. Exterior signs were designed and erected at all high schools in the area making it clear that smoking is prohibited anywhere, anytime by anyone on school property. Recognizing positive role modeling is an important tool to help keep our youth tobacco free, the province will be providing more school signs and the campaign will be expanded to include our elementary schools in 2009.
So what do we want to focus on this year? Tobacco users looking for support to quit. If you are thinking it’s time to quit, we can help you make 2009 the year you become tobacco free. By planning your quit attempt, preparing for triggers and changing your routine, you can reach your goal. Medications such as the patch, nicotine inhaler, gum or pharmaceutical supports can also help if you are not sure you can quit on your own. You may also qualify for a five-week supply of free nicotine replacement therapy through the STOP Study being conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Call 1-866-484-9022 or go online at www.stopstudy.ca for more information.
And don’t forget the annual Driven to Quit challenge. The contest gives smokers an incentive to set a quit date and stay smoke free for at least one month to qualify for a draw for a new car. Watch our website www.simcoemuskokahealth.org for details during National Non-smoking Week Jan. 18-24. You can also get personalized support from Smokers’ Helpline by calling them toll free at 1-877-513-5333, or by calling Your Health Connection weekdays at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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