Weedless Wednesday is part of National Non-Smoking Week, and encourages smokers to avoid tobacco for one day to kick-start the process of quitting.
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health, but it can also have a profound effect on the ones you love.
For David Lorenzo, Niagara region’s Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, he says its often a health crisis that drives someone to quit smoking.
“Its often something that motivates someone to say okay, that’s it for me. I’m seeing what this is doing to people around me, or to myself. I need to make that quit attempt.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way. a quit attempt could start as soon as today.
“If someone tries to quit once and it doesn’t work for whatever reason. we want them to try again when they’re ready. Ultimately it could take 7-20 times for someone to be successful.”
National Non-Smoking Week began in 1988, and now 30 years later it continues to be a relevant campaign. In fact, nearly 13 000 people die each year in Ontario as a result of smoking. And the provincial government is looking to reduce that number by providing people aged 24 and under with free counseling and medication.
“Don’t quit quitting. And keep trying. We’re here, and there other organizations out there that to support that person who wants to become a non-smoker.”
For Ontarians over the age of 24, they can also access free nicotine replacement therapy through community programs- including those delivered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as well public health units.
