Thinking of quitting smoking, but not sure how?
Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit officials say approximately 60% of smokers currently want to quit in the next six months. With a new year upon us, why not make 2017 the year you quit for good? There are a variety of quit smoking supports available to Chatham-Kent residents, here are some of them:
– FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patch, gum, lozenge, and inhaler) is available for you if you are part of a Family Health Team or a Community Health Centre.
– FREE medication (Champix or Zyban) to help you quit is available to individuals on the Ontario Drug Benefit Program. A prescription is necessary for this medication.
– FREE quit counselling can be accessed through Smokers’ Helpline at 1 877 513-5333 or www.smokershelpline.ca, where they offer phone counselling, online support forums, and 24 hour text messaging support.
– There are also a variety of contests with various cash prizes. Quit for the first week of the month and win $500 with ‘The First Week Challenge’ through Smokers’ Helpline. If you’re between the ages of 18-29 you can also register at www.wouldurather.ca and win up to $5,000 for quitting in the New Year.
Whatever path you take to quitting smoking, make a plan, set a quit date, ask a friend for support and congratulate yourself for making an important decision for your health.
For more information please contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270.
