22 Oct 2008
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – A workshop and a free supply of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for people ready to try to quit smoking was such as success last year that it’s back again this fall.
Workshops will take place in nine different communities in Simcoe County and District of Muskoka in November and December. They are being hosted by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and community partners in co-operation with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). It’s part of a CAMH study to determine the best method to distribute NRT to help smokers quit.
“Anyone who has tried to quit knows how hard it is to break their nicotine addiction,” says Louise Wilson, a public health nurse with the health unit. “Planning a quit strategy and the use of medication to help control cravings can give someone who is ready to quit the support they need to be successful.”
Last year’s workshops filled quickly, so she advises daily smokers ready to quit to call the health unit’s Your Health Connection line at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to register. At the workshop, qualified participants will receive information to understand their addiction and learn coping skills to succeed in quitting. They’ll also be given their free five-week supply of either the nicotine patch or nicotine inhaler.
"There’s no magic fix to break the nicotine addiction,” said Wilson. “The good news is many people quit everyday. There are more choices than ever for those who want to quit and the free workshop and NRT can help. For many people it is the single best thing they can do for their health.”
To register for one of the three-hour workshops call Your Health Connection, at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Workshop dates are as follows:
Wed. Nov. 12:
Barrie 12-3 p.m.
Huntsville 2–5 p.m.
Alliston 6–9 p.m.
Thurs. Nov. 13:
Midland 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
Bracebridge 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
Wasaga 4–7 p.m.
Orillia 6–9 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 3:
Bradford 12–3 p.m.
Barrie 6–9 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 4:
Collingwood 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
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