Adults2024-05-16T20:12:33+00:00

Resources for Individuals Looking to Quit Smoking or to Help A Loved One Quit Smoking – New Brunswick

If you smoke or vape and are looking to quit, there are many excellent – services and resources available to help you.

New Brunswickers accessing care at facilities in Horizon Health Network will be offered smoking cessation support from a healthcare provider during their visit.

A free cessation clinic is offered by Vitalité Health Network. The Smoking Cessation Clinic provides individual consultations to those who want to stop smoking or vaping. A trained counselor follows each individual and offers support throughout the cessation journey. Contact your nearest clinic to set up an appointment.

Below is a comprehensive list of available resources offered and/or produced in New Brunswick for indidviduals wanting to quit smoking or vaping, needing that extra push or wanting to help a loved one quit.

Announcement: New Website for the Live Well | Bien Vivre Program

A new website for the Live Well | Bien Vivre program has been launched.

LWBV is an evidence-based program using best practices to support client-led health behaviour change. Their professional health coaching is offered in English and French, at no charge, to all New Brunswickers 19 and older.

As pandemic forces change, it’s a good time for Canadians to quit smoking

There’s no shortage of debate on who gets very sick from the virus, and who doesn’t. It is clear that we must do a better job of protecting vulnerable groups: the elderly, the immunocompromised, the poor and the racialized. Yet, data shows that regardless of age or socioeconomic status, those who smoke cigarettes are at higher risk of becoming critically ill when compared to non-smokers. In fact, according to a recent study, smokers are 1.45 times more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19.

Brochure – Facts About Nicotine – New Brunswick Lung Association

Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive drug. This is one reason some people find it very hard to quit smoking. Nicotine is as addictive as illegal narcotics such as cocaine or heroin.

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Brochure – Quitting Smoking – New Brunswick Lung Association

Quitting smoking is a process that – to succeed – requires careful planning, courage, discipline, and commitment on the part of the smoker. Here are some tips and advice for every step and stage of the quitting process.

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Brochure – Take the Last Drag – Quit Smoking Tips for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Two-Spirit People – New Brunswick Lung Association – 2019

Tips on quitting smoking with the LGBTQ+ community in mind.

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BROCHURE – TAKE THE LAST DRAG – Quit Smoking Tips For Two-Spirit People, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual – New Brunswick Lung Association – 2021

Tips on quitting smoking with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in mind.

Canadian Cancer Society launches campaign for those curious about going smoke-free

January 21, 2022

Tobacco control leaders unite during National Non-Smoking Week to kickstart a nationwide smoking cessation project, Smoke Free Curious

TORONTO, ON –

This National Non-Smoking Week, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is proud to officially launch Smoke Free Curious – a national and bilingual smoking cessation campaign funded by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions program. The new campaign will connect with those who are curious about becoming smoke-free for good and help them build healthier habits this new year.

The campaign is led by CCS in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, Heart & Stroke and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, and was created in partnership with tobacco users and experts in both English and French. The campaign aims to motivate adult tobacco users aged 35-64 in Canada to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use by connecting them with evidence-based support services.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, killing almost 48,000 Canadians annually, and represents about 30% of all cancer deaths. Tailored to the unique needs of both English and French communities, Smoke Free Curious will help to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of quitting, create connections to proven quit smoking tools and resources, and support Canadians to successfully quit smoking. Importantly, the campaign will help fulfill the Government of Canada’s pledge to help Canadians “commit to quit” by encouraging adults aged 35-64 to quit smoking.

 “Smokers have a higher risk of developing at least 16 different types of cancer and, unless they quit, most will die about 10 years earlier than someone who has never smoked,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Living smoke-free is one of the best things you can do to reduce your cancer risk. But we know how difficult it can be to stop smoking and how difficult it can be to do it alone. Fortunately, there is help. Our support programs have a proven track record and we are excited to share Smoke Free Curious to help live healthier lives. Through this unique collaboration with our partners, we hope to reach those who may be considering a change that could help save their life.”

While efforts to curb tobacco use have shown promising results amongst younger users, the prevalence rate for people aged 35-64 has remained relatively stable, with 2.3 million people smoking cigarettes daily or occasionally. To support Canadians in their quit smoking journey, Smoke Free Curious will offer a variety of helpful tools & resources, including connecting people to nationwide Quitline support services and a free trial pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for eligible participants. The campaign will also include the First Week Challenge Contest, a quit smoking challenge that engages tobacco users aged 35-64 to make a quit attempt for (at least) the first 7 days.

To learn more about the campaign and explore quit smoking tools and resources, visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca. For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667.

In Quebec, the campaign is scheduled to launch at a later date. To learn more about quit smoking tools and resources in Quebec, visit tobaccofreequebec.ca.

Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that many First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples have a sacred and ceremonial relationship with traditional tobacco. All mentions of ‘tobacco’ throughout this release refers to commercial tobacco products, such as packaged cigarettes.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, we work with governments to establish health policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. No other organization does all that we do to improve lives today and to change the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

Covid-19: The role of smoking cessation during respiratory virus epidemics

In addition to the health benefits of stopping smoking, it is plausible that a spike in quit rates could help reduce community transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

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FREE Smoking Cessation Clinic – Vitalité Health Network

The Smoking Cessation Clinic provides individual consultations to those who want to stop smoking or vaping.

  • Overcome nicotine dependance
  • Quit smoking
  • Quit vaping

If you want to stop smoking, please call your nearest Smoking Cessation Clinic. A counselor will provide you with information and tips on giving up tobacco.

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Inspiring Success Stories

Inspiring Success Stories

The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) shares success stories from individuals, groups and organizations who have taken action to live tobacco and smoke-free in their homes, schools, workplace, and communities. An interesting collection of stories that highlight inspiring ideas and celebrates champions within our province is published here on our website.

We also encourage you to follow us on social media – look for the #TobaccoFreeLiving #Champions hashtags to find these inspiring stories.

We are always looking for new stories to share! Contact us!

Check out our latest story!

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New Cessation Website for NB

Podcast: “Tobacco and Heart Health” – NBATC, Heart & Stroke Foundation NB and HEPAC – 2018

The NBATC and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of NB talk about the effects of tobacco on your heart’s health as well as what you can do to promote tobacco-free living in New Brunswick during this Healthy Eating and Physical Coalition (HEPAC) special Q&A podcast commemorating World No Tobacco Day 2018.

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Preliminary results of Canada’s first Randomized Clinical Trial for e-cigarettes as cessation device

Physicians For a Smoke-Free Canada shared the initial results of the first large Canadian randomized clinical trial of e-cigarettes as a cessation device. In short, this study found that after 12 weeks of treatment, those who used e-cigarettes with nicotine to quit smoking were twice as likely to be cigarette-free at the end of treatment as were those who received only counselling. Data on longer-term outcomes are still being collected. Thanks to the American College of Cardiology’s sharing of this event and Youtube technology, a 6-minute synopsis of his presentation is available.

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Quash project, Lung Health Foundation

Please find attached an overview of the “Quash” project from the Lung Health Foundation (LHF). “Quash” is a behaviour change program, featuring an app that aims to help young people (14–30) quit smoking and/or vaping. The program also includes free, online, self-guided training for adults interested in delivering the program to young people. Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, Health Canada has invested $960.9K over 3 years to fund this project.

Smoke Free Curious

About Smoke Free Curious

“Smoke Free Curious”, is a national and bilingual tobacco cessation social marketing campaign that aims to motivate Canadian adult tobacco users aged 35-64 to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use.
The project is a partnership of four non-profit health organizations made possible through funding from Health Canada, Substance Use and Addictions Program. The partners include: The Canadian Cancer Society (Project Lead), Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, and Heart & Stroke.

The partners are joined by the performance measurement and evaluation provider, The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, The University of Toronto.

Campaign Goals:

• Increase awareness of a) harms of smoking; b) benefits of quitting/reducing in a meaningful way;
• Connect tobacco users to evidence-based tools and resources; and,
• Encourage people to make a quit attempt (E.g., Quit and Win Contest)

Target Audiences:
• Adult commercial tobacco users across Canada aged 35-64 from both English and French-speaking groups

Call-to-Action

For the audience

• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore tobacco cessation tools & resources

1. Use the calculator and see how much you can save.
2. Learn about local quit smoking resources by using Quit Map
3. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat on the website.

• Register for a free trial offer of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to aid in your quit smoking journey (while supplies last)
• Commit to quit and register for your chance to win a cash prize (when available)

• For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667

Smokers and Vapers May Be at Greater Risk for Covid-19

Tobacco and marijuana products damage lungs, where the virus does its harm. Health officials are urging people to quit, and temporary sales bans in the United States are even being discussed.

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Smoking and Tobacco – New Brunswick Lung Association

Useful information compiled by the New Brunswick Lung Association related to the health effects of smoking, tobacco, cannabis, and vaping, as well as on how to quit smoking.

Smoking Cessation Program – Horizon Health Network

New Brunswickers accessing care at facilities in Horizon Health Network will be offered smoking cessation support from a healthcare provider during their visit.

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The Wellness Movement – Wellness Tip Card – Tobacco-Free Living – 2019

A tip card about tobacco-free living, one of the focus areas of The Wellness Movement.

This World No Tobacco Day, Health Canada’s young adult tobacco cessation campaign, Break It Off, is challenging Canadians to pick a date to quit smoking.

Break It Off is a campaign that helps young adults quit smoking and stay smoke-free.

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Tobacco and Heart Health – Smoke and Vape Free NB – 2017

Fact sheet addressing the effects of tobacco, the advantages of quitting smoking and how tobacco-free environments help protect everyone’s heart health.

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Tools for a smoke-free life: Postcard

Explore tools for a smoke-free life.

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Video – “Helping a Loved One Quit Smoking” – Smoke and Vape Free NB and Vitalité Health Network – 2019

Did you know that there are many ways you can inspire a loved one to live tobacco-free and support them so they succeed in quitting smoking? Solange Arseneau, a nurse counsellor for Vitalité Health Network’s Dieppe and Shediac Smoking Cessation Clinics, has some great tips! She shares them in this video.

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Video: “Help to Quit Smoking – Free Smoking Cessation Clinics Offered by Vitalité Health Network” – Smoke and Vape Free NB and Vitalité Health Network – 2019

Looking for help and advice on quitting smoking? Did you know that Vitalité Health Network offers free Smoking Cessation Clinics? Smokers interested in stopping are monitored by a counselor who provides information and tips on giving up tobacco. We asked SVFNB Steering Committee member Karelle Guignard, the Smoking Cessation Program Coordinator at Vitalité Health Network, to tell us more in this video.

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Video: “Supportive Environments in Health Care – Smoking Cessation” – Smoke and Vape Free NB and Horizon Health Network – 2019

In this video, we asked SVFNB Steering Committee member Kelly Hurley (Coordinator – Centre of Excellence for Clinical Smoking Cessation at Horizon Health Network) to talk to us about supportive environments for smoking cessation in health care at Horizon Health Network.

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Resources for Individuals Looking to Quit Smoking or to Help A Loved One Quit Smoking – Canada and International

Below is a complete list of available resources offered and/or produced oustide of New Brunswick –  in Canada and internationally – for indidviduals wanting to quit smoking, needing that extra push or wanting to help a loved one quit.

Adult Tobacco Cessation Campaign

From March 15 to 29, 2021, Health Canada’s Adult tobacco cessation campaign reminded Canadians 50+ who smoke that it’s never too late to quit and that getting support improves their chances of quitting.

We invite you to explore the campaign materials, and to kindly consider amplifying these important messages organically through your communication channels.

Click our Google Drive to view or download shareable content, including:

  • Video (or share directly from YouTube in English and French)
  • Animated banners
  • Facebook carousel
  • File with suggested text and URLs

You’ll also find newly updated web content at Canada.ca/quit-smoking.

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Canadian Cancer Society launches campaign for those curious about going smoke-free

January 21, 2022

Tobacco control leaders unite during National Non-Smoking Week to kickstart a nationwide smoking cessation project, Smoke Free Curious

TORONTO, ON –

This National Non-Smoking Week, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is proud to officially launch Smoke Free Curious – a national and bilingual smoking cessation campaign funded by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions program. The new campaign will connect with those who are curious about becoming smoke-free for good and help them build healthier habits this new year.

The campaign is led by CCS in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, Heart & Stroke and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, and was created in partnership with tobacco users and experts in both English and French. The campaign aims to motivate adult tobacco users aged 35-64 in Canada to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use by connecting them with evidence-based support services.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, killing almost 48,000 Canadians annually, and represents about 30% of all cancer deaths. Tailored to the unique needs of both English and French communities, Smoke Free Curious will help to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of quitting, create connections to proven quit smoking tools and resources, and support Canadians to successfully quit smoking. Importantly, the campaign will help fulfill the Government of Canada’s pledge to help Canadians “commit to quit” by encouraging adults aged 35-64 to quit smoking.

 “Smokers have a higher risk of developing at least 16 different types of cancer and, unless they quit, most will die about 10 years earlier than someone who has never smoked,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Living smoke-free is one of the best things you can do to reduce your cancer risk. But we know how difficult it can be to stop smoking and how difficult it can be to do it alone. Fortunately, there is help. Our support programs have a proven track record and we are excited to share Smoke Free Curious to help live healthier lives. Through this unique collaboration with our partners, we hope to reach those who may be considering a change that could help save their life.”

While efforts to curb tobacco use have shown promising results amongst younger users, the prevalence rate for people aged 35-64 has remained relatively stable, with 2.3 million people smoking cigarettes daily or occasionally. To support Canadians in their quit smoking journey, Smoke Free Curious will offer a variety of helpful tools & resources, including connecting people to nationwide Quitline support services and a free trial pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for eligible participants. The campaign will also include the First Week Challenge Contest, a quit smoking challenge that engages tobacco users aged 35-64 to make a quit attempt for (at least) the first 7 days.

To learn more about the campaign and explore quit smoking tools and resources, visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca. For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667.

In Quebec, the campaign is scheduled to launch at a later date. To learn more about quit smoking tools and resources in Quebec, visit tobaccofreequebec.ca.

Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that many First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples have a sacred and ceremonial relationship with traditional tobacco. All mentions of ‘tobacco’ throughout this release refers to commercial tobacco products, such as packaged cigarettes.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, we work with governments to establish health policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. No other organization does all that we do to improve lives today and to change the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) results for 2020 just released

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) results for 2020 were just released.

There was a decrease in current smoking from 14.8% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2020, while daily smoking decreased from 10.0% in 2019 to 9.1% in 2020.  These are the lowest smoking prevalence rates ever recorded by CCHS.

Current smoking in 2020 was 15.8% among males and 10.1% among females.

Daily smoking in 2020 was 10.9% among males and 7.3% among females.

Here are trends in current and daily smoking from CCHS Canada-wide:

Current                   Daily

26%        2001       21.5%

23%        2003       18%

22%        2005       17%

22%        2007       17%

21%        2008       17%

20%        2009       16%

21%        2010       16%

20%        2011       15%

20%        2012       15.5%

19%        2013       14%

18%        2014       13.5%

18%        2015       13%

17%        2016       12%

16%        2017       12%

15.8%    2018        10.9%

14.8%    2019        10.0%

12.9%    2020          9.1%

Plain packaging, an important measure, was implemented at the retail level on Feb. 7, 2020.

The most important reason for the decline in smoking prevalence in recent years has been substantially higher prices, through tobacco tax increases and very large manufacturer price increases.  Manufacturers themselves have increased their net-of-tax prices on average by $20.20 per carton of 200 cigarettes over the seven year period 2014-2020 inclusive.  And during this seven year period there have been federal tobacco tax increases totalling $7.76 per carton, and provincial tobacco tax increases totalling $4.00 in Quebec, $14.40 in BC, $12.25 in Ontario, $13.04 in New Brunswick, $15.00 in Alberta, as well as other amounts in other provinces.  As well, GST/PST/HST has applied on top of all of these price increases and tobacco tax increases.  Thus an increase in the retail price of about $30.00 per carton has been seen during this period in Quebec and Manitoba, and more than $30.00 per carton in the other 8 provinces and sometimes substantially more.  (More details will be provided later regarding tobacco tax increases per province. There have been further tobacco tax increases in 2021 federally and in BC and NL.)

A series of other factors as part of a comprehensive strategy would also have contributed to the decrease.

Further information will follow, including provincial breakdowns.

More information regarding CCHS can be obtained from Statistics Canada data tables available at the following links:

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Closure of Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society’s “Break It Off” Campaign

Health Canada (HC) and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) are announcing the closure of Break It Off, a joint tobacco cessation, awareness and outreach campaign aimed at Canadians aged 20-24. First launched by CCS in 2012, HC collaborated with CCS in 2014 to expand the campaign’s reach across Canada. Over the years, the campaign has encouraged numerous young adults to quit smoking and stay smoke-free.

When Break It Off launched nationally in 2014, smoking prevalence for the 20-24 age group was 20%, well over the national average at the time of 16%[1]. Today, prevalence is 13% for young adults, similar to the national average[2]. While proportionally fewer young adults are currently smoking, we recognize the importance of continuing to support young Canadians on their quitting journey. That’s why we encourage you and your followers to check out the quit smoking resources offered by your province or territory and by the Canadian Cancer Society.

HC and CCS would like to acknowledge what a privilege it has been to have your support with the Break It Off campaign. The campaign could not have reached as many young adults without you.

 

Some campaign highlights:

–         The Break It Off website received over 250K visits

–         Advertising Campaigns achieved over 40M impressions

–         Thousands of Canadians engaged on 3 social media platforms

–         We connected directly with over 400K Canadians at over 300 interactive events

–         Our mobile app has been downloaded over 5000 times

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For Many Young People, 2021 is the Year to Cancel Vaping

Reversing a toxic cultural trend

Vaping used to be seen as cool. But times have changed. As influencer Victoria Annunziato says, “Like many others, I started using e-cigarettes when I was young. I had no idea what nicotine was or how addictive it could be. I want to use my platform and work with truth to start a conversation about my own experience, so others can avoid the traps that got me hooked or quit with me if they are already vaping. I’m hopeful that my journey will inspire others and spread awareness.”

It’s My Life – Stop Cancer Before It Starts! – Canadian Cancer Society

Discover how 16 factors affect your cancer risk and how you can take action with our interactive tool – It’s My Life!

Live Smoke-Free -Canadian Cancer Society

Did you know that smoking is responsible for an estimated 30% of all cancer deaths in Canada? It also causes about 85% of lung cancer cases. The facts are clear. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the more you increase your risk of developing lung and other cancers. In fact, any smoking at all may cause lung damage. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to quit! No matter how old you are or how long you’ve been smoking, you can reduce your risk of cancer by quitting.

Infographics, videos, games and visual aids help to educate on smoking as a risk factor for cancer on the Canadian Cancer Society website.

New Cessation Website for NB

On the road to quitting: Guide to becoming a non–smoker – Health Canada – 2012

This guide will give you the information and skills you need to successfully stop smoking.* Spend some time reviewing this booklet to consider your options, understand what to expect during your quit attempt and learn tips to help you along the way. Work through the content at your own pace to prepare yourself thoroughly.

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Podcast: “Why It Is Never Too Late to Quit Smoking” – Cancer.net – 2017

In this podcast, Dr. Anthony Alberg notes that quitting smoking is not easy and yet it is something that all people who have been diagnosed with cancer should strive to do because of the health benefits.

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Quash project, Lung Health Foundation

Please find attached an overview of the “Quash” project from the Lung Health Foundation (LHF). “Quash” is a behaviour change program, featuring an app that aims to help young people (14–30) quit smoking and/or vaping. The program also includes free, online, self-guided training for adults interested in delivering the program to young people. Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, Health Canada has invested $960.9K over 3 years to fund this project.

Registration now open, 14th Annual Ottawa Conference, State of the Art Clinical Approaches to Smoking Cessation

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us for our 14th Annual Ottawa Conference! This year, the conference will once again be virtual. Our distinct line-up of experts will share their latest ideas and evidence in clinical tobacco treatment, program development and smoking cessation research.

Topics will include smoking and covid-19, vaping regulation opportunities for Canada, novel digital interventions for smoking cessation, impact of nicotine addiction on adolescent brain development, brain stimulation for smoking cessation, latest research on cytisine, and much more!

To view the preliminary program, click here.

Visit ottawamodel.ca/ottawa-conference for more details and to contact us.

REGISTER HERE

Early Bird Ends December 31, 2021

Smoke Free Curious

About Smoke Free Curious

“Smoke Free Curious”, is a national and bilingual tobacco cessation social marketing campaign that aims to motivate Canadian adult tobacco users aged 35-64 to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use.
The project is a partnership of four non-profit health organizations made possible through funding from Health Canada, Substance Use and Addictions Program. The partners include: The Canadian Cancer Society (Project Lead), Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, and Heart & Stroke.

The partners are joined by the performance measurement and evaluation provider, The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, The University of Toronto.

Campaign Goals:

• Increase awareness of a) harms of smoking; b) benefits of quitting/reducing in a meaningful way;
• Connect tobacco users to evidence-based tools and resources; and,
• Encourage people to make a quit attempt (E.g., Quit and Win Contest)

Target Audiences:
• Adult commercial tobacco users across Canada aged 35-64 from both English and French-speaking groups

Call-to-Action

For the audience

• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore tobacco cessation tools & resources

1. Use the calculator and see how much you can save.
2. Learn about local quit smoking resources by using Quit Map
3. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat on the website.

• Register for a free trial offer of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to aid in your quit smoking journey (while supplies last)
• Commit to quit and register for your chance to win a cash prize (when available)

• For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667

Smoke Free Curious Campaign

Call-to-Action
For the audience
• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore quit smoking tools & resources:
1. Use the Quit Calculator to find out how much $ can you save
when you quit smoking
2. Find local quit smoking programs in the Quit Map
3. Read free Self-Help booklets containing the best available evidence
about quitting smoking
4. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat
5. Order a free Trial Pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (while supplies last)
6. Enter for a chance to win $250 in the #IamQuitting Contest by sharing your
quit smoking milestone (when available)
7. Call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 for free,
confidential, personalized support

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Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco – Health Canada

Learn about vaping, tobacco products, effects of smoking, second-hand smoke, prevention and quitting.

This World No Tobacco Day, Health Canada’s young adult tobacco cessation campaign, Break It Off, is challenging Canadians to pick a date to quit smoking.

Break It Off is a campaign that helps young adults quit smoking and stay smoke-free.

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Tools For A Smoke-Free Life

Campaign backgrounder

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Tools for a smoke-free life: Postcard

Explore tools for a smoke-free life.

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WHO launches year-long campaign to help 100 million people quit tobacco

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. The campaign will support at least 100 million people as they try to give up tobacco through communities of quitters.

“Commit to Quit”  will help create healthier environments that are conducive to quitting tobacco by advocating for strong tobacco cessation policies; increasing access to cessation services; raising awareness of tobacco industry tactics, and empowering tobacco users to make successful quit attempts through “quit & win” initiatives.

World No Tobacco Day 2021

31 May is World No Tobacco Day

This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be a “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

“Commit to quit”

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. Commit to quit today and sign the pledge.

More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco

Tobacco causes 8 million deaths every year. When evidence was released this year that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers, it triggered millions of smokers to want to quit tobacco. Quitting can be challenging, especially with the added social and economic stress that have come as a result of the pandemic, but there are a lot of reasons to quit.

The benefits of quitting tobacco are almost immediate. After just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and lung function increases. Within 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Within 5-15 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Within 10 years, your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is that of a non-smoker. If that’s not enough here are a few more reasons!

Learning Resources for Health Care Professionals – New Brunswick

Adult Tobacco Cessation Campaign

From March 15 to 29, 2021, Health Canada’s Adult tobacco cessation campaign reminded Canadians 50+ who smoke that it’s never too late to quit and that getting support improves their chances of quitting.

We invite you to explore the campaign materials, and to kindly consider amplifying these important messages organically through your communication channels.

Click our Google Drive to view or download shareable content, including:

  • Video (or share directly from YouTube in English and French)
  • Animated banners
  • Facebook carousel
  • File with suggested text and URLs

You’ll also find newly updated web content at Canada.ca/quit-smoking.

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BROCHURE – TAKE THE LAST DRAG – Quit Smoking Tips For Two-Spirit People, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual – New Brunswick Lung Association – 2021

Tips on quitting smoking with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in mind.

Canadian Cancer Society launches campaign for those curious about going smoke-free

January 21, 2022

Tobacco control leaders unite during National Non-Smoking Week to kickstart a nationwide smoking cessation project, Smoke Free Curious

TORONTO, ON –

This National Non-Smoking Week, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is proud to officially launch Smoke Free Curious – a national and bilingual smoking cessation campaign funded by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions program. The new campaign will connect with those who are curious about becoming smoke-free for good and help them build healthier habits this new year.

The campaign is led by CCS in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, Heart & Stroke and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, and was created in partnership with tobacco users and experts in both English and French. The campaign aims to motivate adult tobacco users aged 35-64 in Canada to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use by connecting them with evidence-based support services.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, killing almost 48,000 Canadians annually, and represents about 30% of all cancer deaths. Tailored to the unique needs of both English and French communities, Smoke Free Curious will help to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of quitting, create connections to proven quit smoking tools and resources, and support Canadians to successfully quit smoking. Importantly, the campaign will help fulfill the Government of Canada’s pledge to help Canadians “commit to quit” by encouraging adults aged 35-64 to quit smoking.

 “Smokers have a higher risk of developing at least 16 different types of cancer and, unless they quit, most will die about 10 years earlier than someone who has never smoked,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Living smoke-free is one of the best things you can do to reduce your cancer risk. But we know how difficult it can be to stop smoking and how difficult it can be to do it alone. Fortunately, there is help. Our support programs have a proven track record and we are excited to share Smoke Free Curious to help live healthier lives. Through this unique collaboration with our partners, we hope to reach those who may be considering a change that could help save their life.”

While efforts to curb tobacco use have shown promising results amongst younger users, the prevalence rate for people aged 35-64 has remained relatively stable, with 2.3 million people smoking cigarettes daily or occasionally. To support Canadians in their quit smoking journey, Smoke Free Curious will offer a variety of helpful tools & resources, including connecting people to nationwide Quitline support services and a free trial pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for eligible participants. The campaign will also include the First Week Challenge Contest, a quit smoking challenge that engages tobacco users aged 35-64 to make a quit attempt for (at least) the first 7 days.

To learn more about the campaign and explore quit smoking tools and resources, visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca. For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667.

In Quebec, the campaign is scheduled to launch at a later date. To learn more about quit smoking tools and resources in Quebec, visit tobaccofreequebec.ca.

Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that many First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples have a sacred and ceremonial relationship with traditional tobacco. All mentions of ‘tobacco’ throughout this release refers to commercial tobacco products, such as packaged cigarettes.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, we work with governments to establish health policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. No other organization does all that we do to improve lives today and to change the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) results for 2020 just released

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) results for 2020 were just released.

There was a decrease in current smoking from 14.8% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2020, while daily smoking decreased from 10.0% in 2019 to 9.1% in 2020.  These are the lowest smoking prevalence rates ever recorded by CCHS.

Current smoking in 2020 was 15.8% among males and 10.1% among females.

Daily smoking in 2020 was 10.9% among males and 7.3% among females.

Here are trends in current and daily smoking from CCHS Canada-wide:

Current                   Daily

26%        2001       21.5%

23%        2003       18%

22%        2005       17%

22%        2007       17%

21%        2008       17%

20%        2009       16%

21%        2010       16%

20%        2011       15%

20%        2012       15.5%

19%        2013       14%

18%        2014       13.5%

18%        2015       13%

17%        2016       12%

16%        2017       12%

15.8%    2018        10.9%

14.8%    2019        10.0%

12.9%    2020          9.1%

Plain packaging, an important measure, was implemented at the retail level on Feb. 7, 2020.

The most important reason for the decline in smoking prevalence in recent years has been substantially higher prices, through tobacco tax increases and very large manufacturer price increases.  Manufacturers themselves have increased their net-of-tax prices on average by $20.20 per carton of 200 cigarettes over the seven year period 2014-2020 inclusive.  And during this seven year period there have been federal tobacco tax increases totalling $7.76 per carton, and provincial tobacco tax increases totalling $4.00 in Quebec, $14.40 in BC, $12.25 in Ontario, $13.04 in New Brunswick, $15.00 in Alberta, as well as other amounts in other provinces.  As well, GST/PST/HST has applied on top of all of these price increases and tobacco tax increases.  Thus an increase in the retail price of about $30.00 per carton has been seen during this period in Quebec and Manitoba, and more than $30.00 per carton in the other 8 provinces and sometimes substantially more.  (More details will be provided later regarding tobacco tax increases per province. There have been further tobacco tax increases in 2021 federally and in BC and NL.)

A series of other factors as part of a comprehensive strategy would also have contributed to the decrease.

Further information will follow, including provincial breakdowns.

More information regarding CCHS can be obtained from Statistics Canada data tables available at the following links:

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For Many Young People, 2021 is the Year to Cancel Vaping

Reversing a toxic cultural trend

Vaping used to be seen as cool. But times have changed. As influencer Victoria Annunziato says, “Like many others, I started using e-cigarettes when I was young. I had no idea what nicotine was or how addictive it could be. I want to use my platform and work with truth to start a conversation about my own experience, so others can avoid the traps that got me hooked or quit with me if they are already vaping. I’m hopeful that my journey will inspire others and spread awareness.”

New Cessation Website for NB

Quash project, Lung Health Foundation

Please find attached an overview of the “Quash” project from the Lung Health Foundation (LHF). “Quash” is a behaviour change program, featuring an app that aims to help young people (14–30) quit smoking and/or vaping. The program also includes free, online, self-guided training for adults interested in delivering the program to young people. Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, Health Canada has invested $960.9K over 3 years to fund this project.

Registration now open, 14th Annual Ottawa Conference, State of the Art Clinical Approaches to Smoking Cessation

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us for our 14th Annual Ottawa Conference! This year, the conference will once again be virtual. Our distinct line-up of experts will share their latest ideas and evidence in clinical tobacco treatment, program development and smoking cessation research.

Topics will include smoking and covid-19, vaping regulation opportunities for Canada, novel digital interventions for smoking cessation, impact of nicotine addiction on adolescent brain development, brain stimulation for smoking cessation, latest research on cytisine, and much more!

To view the preliminary program, click here.

Visit ottawamodel.ca/ottawa-conference for more details and to contact us.

REGISTER HERE

Early Bird Ends December 31, 2021

Smoke Free Curious Campaign

Call-to-Action
For the audience
• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore quit smoking tools & resources:
1. Use the Quit Calculator to find out how much $ can you save
when you quit smoking
2. Find local quit smoking programs in the Quit Map
3. Read free Self-Help booklets containing the best available evidence
about quitting smoking
4. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat
5. Order a free Trial Pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (while supplies last)
6. Enter for a chance to win $250 in the #IamQuitting Contest by sharing your
quit smoking milestone (when available)
7. Call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 for free,
confidential, personalized support

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Smoking Cessation within Horizon Health Network – Information for Health Care Professionals

Contact for information on smoking cessation programming in Horizon Health Network:

Kelly Hurley
Program Manager – Centre of Excellence for Clinical Smoking Cessation Horizon Health Network
(506) 757-8678
Kelly.Hurley@HorizonNB.ca
www.HorizonNB.ca

Information and current studies can be found at http://ottawamodel.ca/education/other-opportunities-learning.

Free online training for tobacco control, including e-cigarettes, cessation, protection and prevention is available at otru.org.

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Smoking Cessation within Vitalité Health Network – Information for Health Care Professionals

Contact for information on the Smoking Cessation Program in Vitalité Health Network:

Karelle Guignard, MScInf, I.I., ECT
Registered Nurse
Smoking Cessation Program Coordinator
Vitalité Health Network
506-378-2139
karelle.guignard@VitaliteNB.ca
www.VitaliteNB.ca

Information and current studies can be found at http://ottawamodel.ca/education/other-opportunities-learning.

Free online training for tobacco control, including e-cigarettes, cessation, protection and prevention is available at otru.org.

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Tools For A Smoke-Free Life

Campaign backgrounder

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Tools for a smoke-free life: Postcard

Explore tools for a smoke-free life.

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Webinar: “Learn to Run for Smokers” – New Brunѕwick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2015

With Brigitte Ouellette, Respiratory Therapist and Certified Respiratory Educator at Vitalité Health Network. Brigitte describes the highly successful Learn to Run for Smokers program implemented in the Acadian Peninsula which has helped many smokers quit smoking by training to run a 5k.

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Learning Resources for Health Care Professionals – Canada and International

Adult Tobacco Cessation Campaign

From March 15 to 29, 2021, Health Canada’s Adult tobacco cessation campaign reminded Canadians 50+ who smoke that it’s never too late to quit and that getting support improves their chances of quitting.

We invite you to explore the campaign materials, and to kindly consider amplifying these important messages organically through your communication channels.

Click our Google Drive to view or download shareable content, including:

  • Video (or share directly from YouTube in English and French)
  • Animated banners
  • Facebook carousel
  • File with suggested text and URLs

You’ll also find newly updated web content at Canada.ca/quit-smoking.

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Busting Myths About Smoking Cessation – OTRU – 2016

With limited population-level research, myths about smoking cessation persist. Research from the Ontario Tobacco Survey (OTS) has improved our understanding of smoking cessation in the general population. Key facts and findings are summarized, including the frequency and number of quit attempts, the duration and effectiveness of cessation medications, trajectories of smoking, and the effectiveness of population-level initiatives on cessation behaviours.

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Canadian Action Network for the Advancement, Dissemination and Adoption of Practice-Informed Tobacco Treatment

The Canadian Action Network for the Advancement, Dissemination and Adoption of Practice-informed Tobacco Treatment (CAN-ADAPTT) is a Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) committed to facilitating research and knowledge exchange among those who are in positions to help smokers make changes to their behaviour (e.g., practitioners, healthcare/service providers) and researchers in the area of smoking cessation.

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Canadian Cancer Society launches campaign for those curious about going smoke-free

January 21, 2022

Tobacco control leaders unite during National Non-Smoking Week to kickstart a nationwide smoking cessation project, Smoke Free Curious

TORONTO, ON –

This National Non-Smoking Week, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is proud to officially launch Smoke Free Curious – a national and bilingual smoking cessation campaign funded by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions program. The new campaign will connect with those who are curious about becoming smoke-free for good and help them build healthier habits this new year.

The campaign is led by CCS in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, Heart & Stroke and the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, and was created in partnership with tobacco users and experts in both English and French. The campaign aims to motivate adult tobacco users aged 35-64 in Canada to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use by connecting them with evidence-based support services.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, killing almost 48,000 Canadians annually, and represents about 30% of all cancer deaths. Tailored to the unique needs of both English and French communities, Smoke Free Curious will help to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of quitting, create connections to proven quit smoking tools and resources, and support Canadians to successfully quit smoking. Importantly, the campaign will help fulfill the Government of Canada’s pledge to help Canadians “commit to quit” by encouraging adults aged 35-64 to quit smoking.

 “Smokers have a higher risk of developing at least 16 different types of cancer and, unless they quit, most will die about 10 years earlier than someone who has never smoked,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Living smoke-free is one of the best things you can do to reduce your cancer risk. But we know how difficult it can be to stop smoking and how difficult it can be to do it alone. Fortunately, there is help. Our support programs have a proven track record and we are excited to share Smoke Free Curious to help live healthier lives. Through this unique collaboration with our partners, we hope to reach those who may be considering a change that could help save their life.”

While efforts to curb tobacco use have shown promising results amongst younger users, the prevalence rate for people aged 35-64 has remained relatively stable, with 2.3 million people smoking cigarettes daily or occasionally. To support Canadians in their quit smoking journey, Smoke Free Curious will offer a variety of helpful tools & resources, including connecting people to nationwide Quitline support services and a free trial pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for eligible participants. The campaign will also include the First Week Challenge Contest, a quit smoking challenge that engages tobacco users aged 35-64 to make a quit attempt for (at least) the first 7 days.

To learn more about the campaign and explore quit smoking tools and resources, visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca. For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667.

In Quebec, the campaign is scheduled to launch at a later date. To learn more about quit smoking tools and resources in Quebec, visit tobaccofreequebec.ca.

Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that many First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples have a sacred and ceremonial relationship with traditional tobacco. All mentions of ‘tobacco’ throughout this release refers to commercial tobacco products, such as packaged cigarettes.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, we work with governments to establish health policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. No other organization does all that we do to improve lives today and to change the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

Commercial Tobacco Policy Pack: Local and provincial/territorial governments – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019

Use this policy pack to gather evidence for policy interventions about the use of commercial tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

Coverage of smoking cessation aids in Canada – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019

Learn about federal, provincial and territorial government coverage of free or lower cost smoking cessation aids, including eligibility requirements, and which health care providers can prescribe.

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COVID-19 and Smoking: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

A systematic review of studies on COVID-19 that included information on patients’ smoking status to evaluate the association between smoking and COVID-19 outcomes including the severity of the disease, the need for mechanical ventilation, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization and death.

Dr. Graham Warren Presentation Video: The Importance of Smoking Cessation in Cancer Care – 2019

Dr. Graham Warren, radiation oncologist at Medical University of South Carolina and Expert Advisor, Tobacco Cessation, to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC), presented on the importance of smoking cessation in cancer care this past September in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Horizon Health Network and CPAC worked together to hire a professional videographer to produce a high quality recording of Graham’s presentation so that it would be available to the Tobacco Network as a resource for use with your Executive champions, leadership, frontline clinicians and cancer centre staff.

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Federal Tobacco Tax Inflationary Increase of 46 cents Per Carton Takes Effect April 1

As of April 1, 2020, federal tobacco taxes will increase by $0.46 cents per carton of 200 cigarettes, and $0.29 per 200 roll-your-own cigarettes.

This is as a result of an inflationary increase to federal tobacco tax rates that takes effect every April 1.

Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada have recently written an article that describes how Canadians pay less for cigarettes than do citizens of most other developed countries.

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For Many Young People, 2021 is the Year to Cancel Vaping

Reversing a toxic cultural trend

Vaping used to be seen as cool. But times have changed. As influencer Victoria Annunziato says, “Like many others, I started using e-cigarettes when I was young. I had no idea what nicotine was or how addictive it could be. I want to use my platform and work with truth to start a conversation about my own experience, so others can avoid the traps that got me hooked or quit with me if they are already vaping. I’m hopeful that my journey will inspire others and spread awareness.”

Global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025 – World Health Organization

Progress in reducing tobacco use is a key indicator for measuring countries’ efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Countries have adopted this indicator to report progress towards SDG target 3.a and the tobacco reduction target under the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2020. This report presents WHO estimates of tobacco use prevalence, numbers or users, and changes between 2000 and 2018, projected to 2025. Estimates are at global, regional and country level.

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Health Canada’s Departmental Plan for 2020-21

Health Canada will advance implementation of Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, a modernized approach for successful tobacco control with the goal of achieving the target of less than 5% tobacco use by 2035.

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Integrating Tobacco Interventions Into Daily Practice – Registered Nurses Association of Ontario

This module will provide nurses and other health-care providers with the foundational knowledge to start engaging with their clients who use tobacco to help them quit, as well as reduce or manage their withdrawal symptoms.

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Key cost estimates on cancer treatment and smoking cessation in Canada – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2017

Use these cost estimates to guide decisions about programs and policies to help patients with cancer quit smoking during treatment.

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Leading practices in clinical smoking cessation – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019

Review results about Canadian clinical smoking cessation approaches, now with data from 2018 to 2019
The next update for these results is planned for Spring 2020.

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Leading Practices in Smoking Cessation for Persons Living with Mental Illnesses and/or Addictions – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019

Review results about Canadian smoking cessation programs for people living with mental illness(es) and/or addiction, now with data from 2018 to 2019. The next update for these results is planned for Spring 2020.

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Nurses and Other Health Care Professionals Helping Clients Quit Smoking – Registered Nurses Association of Ontario

Nurses and other healthcare professionals have many opportunities to help people address their smoking habits.

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Nurses and Other Health Professionals Who Smoke -– Registered Nurses Association of Ontario

Nurses and other health professionals who smoke may feel conflicted because of intimate knowledge and experience with the consequences of smoking. This course aims to help nurses who smoke feel comfortable discussing the benefits of smoking cessation with their clients.

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Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation – University of Ottawa Heart Institute:

Clinical practice guidelines emphasize that clinicians and healthcare delivery systems should consistently identify and treat all tobacco users using available counselling treatments and medications. But, evidence alone is insufficient to change routine clinical practice. There is a need to alter practices so that smoking cessation support is systematically and easily provided to all patients who smoke as part of routine care. The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) was created to address this need.

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Podcast: “The Importance of Best Practices for Successful Smoking Cessation” – The BEAT – Latest in Heart Health and Cardiovascular Care and Research – University of Ottawa Heart Institute – 2016

With the goal of highlighting recent advances in treatments to aid smoking cessation, as well as pointing out persistent myths about cessation that might be preventing doctors from providing the most effective tools to their patients, Dr. Reid and his colleagues at the Heart Institute of the University of Ottawa published the first review of smoking cessation treatment in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in over a decade.

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Preliminary results of Canada’s first Randomized Clinical Trial for e-cigarettes as cessation device

Physicians For a Smoke-Free Canada shared the initial results of the first large Canadian randomized clinical trial of e-cigarettes as a cessation device. In short, this study found that after 12 weeks of treatment, those who used e-cigarettes with nicotine to quit smoking were twice as likely to be cigarette-free at the end of treatment as were those who received only counselling. Data on longer-term outcomes are still being collected. Thanks to the American College of Cardiology’s sharing of this event and Youtube technology, a 6-minute synopsis of his presentation is available.

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Q&A on Smoking and COVID-19

Are smokers and tobacco users at higher risk of COVID-19 infection? The World Health Organization provides a Q &A section on their website which addresses queries on the connection between smokers  and their susceptibility to COVID-19.

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Quash project, Lung Health Foundation

Please find attached an overview of the “Quash” project from the Lung Health Foundation (LHF). “Quash” is a behaviour change program, featuring an app that aims to help young people (14–30) quit smoking and/or vaping. The program also includes free, online, self-guided training for adults interested in delivering the program to young people. Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, Health Canada has invested $960.9K over 3 years to fund this project.

Quit Continuing Education – Canadian Pharmacists Association

Across Canada, provinces are enhancing pharmacists’ scopes of practice to include prescribing smoking cessation medications, offering reimbursement for professional services and even providing free smoking cessation products to patients. The time has never been better to ramp up your knowledge and skills in the area of smoking cessation.

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Smoke Free Curious

About Smoke Free Curious

“Smoke Free Curious”, is a national and bilingual tobacco cessation social marketing campaign that aims to motivate Canadian adult tobacco users aged 35-64 to quit or reduce their commercial tobacco use.
The project is a partnership of four non-profit health organizations made possible through funding from Health Canada, Substance Use and Addictions Program. The partners include: The Canadian Cancer Society (Project Lead), Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Public Health Association, and Heart & Stroke.

The partners are joined by the performance measurement and evaluation provider, The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, The University of Toronto.

Campaign Goals:

• Increase awareness of a) harms of smoking; b) benefits of quitting/reducing in a meaningful way;
• Connect tobacco users to evidence-based tools and resources; and,
• Encourage people to make a quit attempt (E.g., Quit and Win Contest)

Target Audiences:
• Adult commercial tobacco users across Canada aged 35-64 from both English and French-speaking groups

Call-to-Action

For the audience

• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore tobacco cessation tools & resources

1. Use the calculator and see how much you can save.
2. Learn about local quit smoking resources by using Quit Map
3. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat on the website.

• Register for a free trial offer of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to aid in your quit smoking journey (while supplies last)
• Commit to quit and register for your chance to win a cash prize (when available)

• For free advice and support, call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667

Smoke Free Curious Campaign

Call-to-Action
For the audience
• Visit SmokeFreeCurious.ca to explore quit smoking tools & resources:
1. Use the Quit Calculator to find out how much $ can you save
when you quit smoking
2. Find local quit smoking programs in the Quit Map
3. Read free Self-Help booklets containing the best available evidence
about quitting smoking
4. Chat in real-time with a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach via Live Chat
5. Order a free Trial Pack of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (while supplies last)
6. Enter for a chance to win $250 in the #IamQuitting Contest by sharing your
quit smoking milestone (when available)
7. Call the toll-free Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 for free,
confidential, personalized support

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Smoking history tied to worse COVID-19 outcomes

Cumulative cigarette smoke exposure is an independent risk factor for hospital admission and death from COVID-19, according to a research letter published online Jan. 25 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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Strategies to help patients stop smoking: the optometrist’s perspective – By Ryan David Kennedy and Ornell Douglas – Dovepress – 2015

Discusses tobacco’s toll on individual and public health, and presents what is currently known about cigarette smoking’s risk to ocular health and what eye care professionals can do to help address tobacco use with their patients.

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Supporting Pre- and Postnatal Women and Their Families Who Use Tobacco – Registered Nurses Association of Ontario

This course addresses the special considerations that need to be taken into account when providing smoking cessation assistance to pre- and postnatal women and their families. Topics include: the risks of smoking while pregnant, harm reduction approaches, applying intensive interventions using a woman-centred approach, nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant women and relapse.

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Tobacco and Public Health: From Theory to Practice – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit

Comprehensive and evidence-based online course on tobacco control for public health professionals and others working in tobacco control that provides the opportunity for self-study in major areas of tobacco control: cessation, protection, prevention, and evaluation.

Tools For A Smoke-Free Life

Campaign backgrounder

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Tools for a smoke-free life: Postcard

Explore tools for a smoke-free life.

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Treatobacco.net Database & Education Resource for Treatment of Tobacco Dependence (U.S.A)

Treatobacco.net presents authoritative evidence-based information about the treatment of tobacco dependence. Information is organized under these five headings: Efficacy, Safety, Demographics and Health Effects, Health Economics, and Policy.

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Webinar slides: Leading practices in smoking cessation for cancer patients – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2018

Learn more about current and leading practices across Canada and abroad to help cancer patients quit smoking. From the Partnership’s webinar in October 2018, these slides share current evidence and approaches to helping cancer patients and families quit smoking.

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Webinars – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit

Listen to recently recorded Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) webinars on a variety of topics.

WHO launches year-long campaign to help 100 million people quit tobacco

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. The campaign will support at least 100 million people as they try to give up tobacco through communities of quitters.

“Commit to Quit”  will help create healthier environments that are conducive to quitting tobacco by advocating for strong tobacco cessation policies; increasing access to cessation services; raising awareness of tobacco industry tactics, and empowering tobacco users to make successful quit attempts through “quit & win” initiatives.

WHO releases global tobacco trends report, 4th edition

Tobacco use falling: WHO urges countries to invest in helping more people to quit tobacco

16 November 2021

News release
Geneva

The fourth WHO global tobacco trends report released today, shows that there are 1.30 billion tobacco users globally compared to 1.32 billion in 2015. This number is expected to drop to 1.27 billion by 2025.

Sixty countries are now on track to achieving the voluntary global target of a 30% reduction in tobacco use between 2010 and 2025:  two years ago only 32 countries were on track.

Millions of lives have been saved by effective and comprehensive tobacco control policies under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and MPOWER – a great achievement in the fight against the tobacco epidemic

“It is very encouraging to see fewer people using  tobacco each year, and more countries on track to meet global targets,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We still have a long way to go, and tobacco companies will continue to use every trick in the book to defend the gigantic profits they make from peddling their deadly wares. We encourage all countries to make better use of the many effective tools available for helping people to quit, and saving lives.”

The report also urges countries to accelerate implementation of the measures outlined in the WHO FCTC in an effort to further reduce the number of people at risk of becoming ill and dying from a tobacco-related disease.

“It is clear that tobacco control is effective, and we have a moral obligation to our people to move aggressively in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” says Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO Department of Health Promotion. “We are seeing great progress in many countries, which is the result of implementing tobacco control measures that are in line with the WHO FCTC, but this success is fragile. We still need to push ahead.”

A new WHO  Global Investment Case for Tobacco Cessation, highlights that investing US$ 1.68 per capita each year in evidence-based cessation interventions such as brief advice, national toll-free quit lines, and SMS-based cessation support, could help 152 million tobacco users successfully quit by 2030, saving millions of lives and contributing to countries’ long-term economic growth.

To facilitate this process, WHO has established a tobacco cessation consortium, which will bring together partners to support countries in scaling up tobacco cessation.

The report and the investment case  are released right after of the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) and during the second session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP2) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

Delegates meet to counter the ambitions of the tobacco industry to keep millions hooked on its products, , as recent evidence also show that the tobacco industry used the COVID-19 pandemic to build influence with governments in 80 countries.  

Key findings of the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2025:

In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco, 36.7% of all men and 7.8% of the world’s women.

Target: Currently, 60 countries are on track to achieve the tobacco use reduction target by 2025. Since the last report two years ago, two other regions – the African and South-East Asian regions – have now joined the Americas region on-track to achieve a 30% reduction.

Children: Approximately 38 million children (aged 13-15) currently use tobacco (13 million girls and 25 million boys).  In most countries it is illegal for minors to purchase tobacco products. The goal is to achieve zero child tobacco users.

Women: The number of women using tobacco in 2020 was 231 million. The age group with the highest prevalence rate among women  for tobacco use  is 55-64.

Regional trends:

Trends in the Americas: Of all WHO regions, the steepest decline in prevalence rates over time is seen in the Americas Region. The average rate of tobacco use has gone from 21% in 2010 down to 16% in 2020.

WHO’s African Region trend: this region has the lowest average rate of tobacco use at 10% in 2020, down from 15% in 2010.

WHO’s European Region trend: in Europe 18% of women still use tobacco – substantially more than in any other region. Women in Europe are the slowest in the world to cut tobacco use.  All other WHO regions are on track to reduce tobacco use rates among women by at least 30% by 2025.

WHO’s Eastern-Mediterranean Region trend: Pakistan is the only country in this region that’s  on track to reach the tobacco reduction target. Four of the six countries in the world where tobacco use is increasing are in this region.

WHO’s South East Asian Region trend: The region currently has the highest rates of tobacco use, with around 432 million users, or 29% of its population. But this  is also the region where tobacco use is declining fastest.  The region is likely to reach tobacco use rates similar to the European Region and the Western Pacific Region by 2025.

WHO’s Western Pacific Region trend: This is projected to become the region with the highest tobacco use rate among men, with more than 45% of men still using tobacco in 2025.

Policy action: One in three countries are likely to achieve the 30% reduction target, and low-income countries are currently achieving the most progress against tobacco.  Upper middle-income countries are, on average, making the slowest progress in reducing tobacco use. In some 29 countries, data quality is low or insufficient to know the trend, so more monitoring is needed.

The data behind these estimates are from 1728 national surveys run by countries between 1990 and 2020, which together asked 97% of the world’s population about their tobacco use. Article 20 of the WHO FCTC underlines the importance of running surveys to obtain evidence of the tobacco epidemic, and now 190 countries have run at least one national survey – up from 140 in 2004 when the treaty was not yet in force.  WHO and partners have made a large contribution to filling the data gaps in low- and middle-income countries via the Global Tobacco Surveillance System surveys, the STEPS survey and the World Health Survey.

Highlights from the Global Investment Case for Tobacco Cessation

To meet global targets in reducing tobacco use, cessation services need to be scaled up, along with strengthening tobacco control measures. Offering cessation services can accelerate the downward trend in tobacco use prevalence, saving more lives and protecting the health of more people.

Population-level cessation interventions include brief advice, national toll-free quit lines, and mCessation (support through mobile phone text messaging). These interventions cost very little yet deliver significant returns on investment within 10 years. Pharmacologic interventions including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Bupropion, and Varenicline are more expensive but are proving effective.

Data from 124 low- and middle-income countries are used to generate the analysis.

 Editors notes

The WHO report covers use of smoked tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, waterpipes, cheroots, bidis, kretek, heated tobacco products, etc) and smokeless tobacco products (oral and nasal tobacco). Use of electronic cigarettes is not analysed in the report.

The report supports the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.a, which calls for strengthening implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The WHO “MPOWER” measures measures are in line with the WHO FCTC and have been shown to save lives and reduce costs from averted healthcare expenditure, including:

Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies.

Protecting people from tobacco smoke.

Offering help to quit tobacco use.

Warning people about the dangers of tobacco.

Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Raising taxes on tobacco.

All these measures are highly cost-effective, impactful and provide significant return on investment and therefore WHO recommends adopting the MPOWER package comprehensively.

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Inspiring Success Stories – New Brunswickers Who Quit Smoking

“My Daughter Sophie Was my Inspiration to Live Tobacco-Free!”

Wellness Week Contest Winner Lynne Pitcher Shares Her Quit Smoking Journey  Lynne Pitcher, 37, Riverview, NB, credits her daughter Sophie, 5, for being the inspiration and strength she and her husband, Rob Pitcher, needed to break free from their personal prison as smokers to be able to now proudly live tobacco-free. Her winning entry in the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition's (NBATC) Wellness Week Facebook contest in October 2018 (held in partnership with The Wellness Movement) caught our attention. The contest encouraged New Brunswickers to celebrate the smoke-free environments which support their wellness, by describing a favourite smoke-free place. Lynne was eager [...]

Wellness Champions – Tobacco and Smoke-Free Living

We all have a wellness story, whether it’s our own personal journey, being part of a group initiative, or seeing a need and helping create a wellness-supporting environment to help make healthy choices more accessible for others. One of the missions of our friends at The Wellness Movement is to bring light to some inspiring individuals or initiatives in New Brunswick, to help celebrate these Wellness Champions and inspire others. The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) invites you to discover The Wellness Movement's Champions stories, especially the following inspiring testimonials who feature tobacco and smoke-free living: Rogersville’s Story Watch as registered nurse [...]

It’s Never Too Late to Quit Smoking! Two Inspiring New Brunswick Women Show that Tobacco-Free Living Can be Achieved and Is Worth It for Long-Term Smokers.

Corinne Savage (66, Riverview, NB) and Yvette Austin (79, Saint Pons, NB) are two inspiring women in their senior years who prove that tobacco-free living is possible at any age and is worth it—even after decades of being a smoker. Both were contacted by the NBTAC upon sharing on Facebook how proud they were to have quit smoking. Their comments were made during the NBATC’s 2018 National Non-Smoking Week #SayNoToTobacco Contest. “One morning I just decided I had had enough and that I needed to quit smoking or I was going to end up with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [...]

New Brunswickers Achieve Healthy Tobacco-Free Lifestyle Thanks to Walk or Run to Quit

UPDATE (December 14, 2018): Walk or Run to Quit programs for 2018 have ended. All Walk or Run to Quit options are currently on hold while new program delivery options are being evaluated. Check website for options and updates in 2019: www.runtoquit.com Walk or Run to Quit — a program run by the Canadian Cancer Society in partnership with the Running Room, aims to help smokers quit smoking by getting active and learning to walk or run 5 km. The program started as a pilot in 2013 in Ottawa and has since been offered nationwide. Participants have two options [...]

Marlene O’Neill Celebrates Tobacco-Free Living. Freedom from Cigarettes After Being a Smoker for 50 Years.

Marlene O'Neill, winner of the NBATC's #SayNoToTobacco Facebook contest. Proud to be now living tobacco-free! This past January, the NBATC held a #SayNoToTobacco Facebook contest celebrating National Non-Smoking Week by encouraging people to share why they are proud to live tobacco-free and encourage a friend or loved one on their own tobacco-free living journey. The winning entry was Marlene O’Neill (64 years old, Waasis, NB), who received a $50 prize for her participation. Eager to take advantage of the contest, she wanted to share the fact that she had recently quit smoking and was still going strong 5 months [...]

Winners of the NBATC’s #SayNoToTobacco Facebook Contest Will Make You Realize How Important It Is to Take Care of Your Lungs

The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition’s (NBATC) National Non-Smoking Week #SayNoToTobacco Facebook Contest winners Valérie Doiron St-Coeur (29, Brantville, NB) and Josée Mallais (36, Tracadie, NB) are an inspiring duo. You would never know upon meeting Valérie that she almost lost her life to cystic fibrosis. She lives a normal, healthy life these days thanks to a double lung transplant received in 2014. Her battle with the disease, deteriorating health, time spent in hospitals, and near-death experience have been a wake-up call to many friends and loved ones on how vital our lungs are. Friends like Josée Mallais have drawn [...]

Irving Oil Refinery’s Tobacco-Free Workplace Program, a Model for Success

The Irving Oil Ltd. refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick is a great example of how companies can promote health and well-being in the workplace, by taking action on tobacco use. Winner of a National Heart & Stroke Foundation Tobacco-Free Innovation Award in 2013, it is the first oil refinery in all of Canada to create and implement a Tobacco-Free Workplace policy for its employees, which is now celebrating its 5th year anniversary. Launched on July 2, 2012, the Irving Oil Ltd. refinery’s Tobacco-Free Workplace program not only prohibits smoking on the entire grounds of its property (780 acres), [...]

“People don’t realize just how powerful of an addiction it can be.” Randy Hunter Hopes His Story Can Warn Young People About the Dangers of Tobacco.

Mayor Randy Hunter, 64, of Tide Head, New Brunswick is one of those energetic and positive people you instantly like upon meeting. The former teacher (34 years of service at various schools, with the last 12 years at Sugarloaf Senior High School in Campbellton) turned mayor is a much-loved member of his community, having spent his entire life devoted to community service. Despite a recent near death-scare and numerous health issues, Randy continues to love and thrive in his role as Mayor. Eager to share his story, he has a powerful warning about the dangers of tobacco. Randy used [...]

”Run to Quit” Helps New Brunswickers Get Active to Overcome their Nicotine Addiction

Moncton Quit Coaches Christian Jasper (left) and Cindy Johnson (right) pose with Running Room founder John Stanton (centre). Physical activity is often recommended by health practitioners and is a powerful tool in a smokers’ arsenal to quit smoking. Exercise reduces cravings and helps manage withdrawal symptoms. That is the basis upon which the “Run to Quit” program is built. An initiative of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Running Room, it aims to help smokers quit by learning to walk or run 5 km. Participants can join a 10-week Run to Quit training program in-store at their local Running [...]

Tobacco Is Harmful to Animals Too: Embracing Tobacco-Free Living Is the Best Thing Pet Owners Can Do!

The harmful effects of second-hand cigarette smoke are well known, which is why many smokers will refrain or are asked to refrain from smoking around friends, family members and, especially, children. But most people don’t often stop and think about how their tobacco use can affect their beloved animals. There are, however, some genuine risks to smoking near your pet. Frequent smoking in enclosed areas, like homes, apartments, and cars, increases the toxic load on a pet’s lungs just as it does on humans. Tawnee Tbomb McAleese, 31, Moncton, loves cats. She currently has five cats (Penelope, Pepe, Jasper, [...]

The Journey Into Motherhood as a Catalyst for Embracing a Healthier Tobacco-Free Lifestyle: Four New Brunswick Women Share Their Story.

Most people who have recently quit smoking will agree that getting over a nicotine addiction requires a lot of determination. You must not only take care of your physical cravings but also have the right kind of attitude. Often, after a few failed attempts, people successfully quit once something happens in their lives which gives them that extra little bit of strength and motivation. A sort of catalyst for embracing a tobacco-free lifestyle that puts their health and well-being, and that of their loved ones, first. For many women who smoke, pregnancy is perhaps the most motivating life event [...]

A Father and Artist’s Journey to Becoming Smoke-Free: Patrick Hardy’s Story

Patrick Hardy, 42, is a well-known spokesperson for autism, thanks to a book series called My Friend Sam, which presents the daily struggles that children who are diagnosed with autism deal with every day, inspired by his son Samuel, now 11 years old. The books, intended for a young audience, have done a lot to educate people about what it is like to live with autism. Patrick hopes the books will also help with decreasing bullying towards autistic children and youth. Originally written in French, the series now has three titles, with more on the way. The books have [...]

Stop Smoking, Start Living! at Harvest House Atlantic

Denise McCluskey is the Development and Marketing Officer at Harvest House Atlantic in Moncton. The centre has been a staple of the city since 1997, offering an emergency homeless shelter, serving over 150 meals a day, and hosting several recovery and General Educational Development programs. Through a government program, the centre hired an employee to keep the location clean. Denise explains that no matter how well he cleaned the grounds, when she arrived to work in the morning, she found cigarette butts everywhere. "We encourage people not to smoke since we have an addictions recovery program, but we didn't [...]

Smoke-Free Together Initiative Successful at Saint John Regional Hospital. Initiative Supports Employees’ Quit Smoking Journey, Improves Morale and Enhances Everyone’s Well-Being.

Some of the staff members from Employee Health and Wellness at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Left to right: Andrea (Andy) Johnson, Regional Director, Workforce Engagement, Karen Dunham, Registered Nurse, Lori Mason, Administration, Edie Daniels, Registered Nurse. In September 2015, Horizon Health Network annouced the introduction of its Smoke-Free Environment for the buildings and grounds of all of its hospitals. The Saint John Regional Hospital was the first hospital to implement the policy through an initiative called Smoke-Free Together. Since then, six other Horizon facilities have become smoke-free, and all Horizon hospitals will be smoke-free within the next six [...]

You Have to Do It for Yourself! Sandra Melanson’s Personal Smoking Cessation Story.

Sandra Melanson started smoking when she was 15 years old. “From the very first inhale of tobacco smoke, I was hooked,” she recalls. “All my friends smoked back then; it was out of peer pressure that I started. We’d be smoking in the school yard and at the bus stop.” The 54-year-old was born in Germany and then moved to Canada with her family. She moved around quite a lot throughout her childhood and adolescence. She now lives in Dieppe, New Brunswick and has taken steps to kick the smoking habit for good. “I tried quitting three times in [...]

“Don’t Beat Yourself Up and Stop Trying When You Have Setbacks. Get the Professional Help You Need and Try a Different Approach.” Mike and Karen McGraw Share How Being Smoke-Free Has Positively Impacted Their Lives.

This past winter, the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) held a Twitter contest inviting citizens to celebrate National Non-Smoking Week (Jan 17-23, 2016) by posting photos of signs indicating smoke-free outdoor public spaces in their communities. The goal was to shine a spotlight on the many outdoor public spaces, including entrances and exits to public buildings, in the province that are now smoke-free under the revised Smoke-free Places legislation which came into effect in July 2015, and to remind New Brunswickers of the importance of respecting these new smoke-free zones and spaces. One participant, in particular, stood out with [...]

Smoker’s Helpline – Cessation Support Only A Click or Call Away

Current research shows that about half of cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and policies that protect the public. The single best thing a person can do to improve one’s health is to quit smoking. Take Karen Hodgin, of Riverview, for example. She smoked for 48 years, but thanks to Smokers’ Helpline, a free, confidential and non-judgmental service available to Canadians who want to quit tobacco use or need help staying smoke-free, and the support of family and friends, she has been smoke-free since 2013. Karen began smoking at the age of 14, while walking to school [...]

“Cigarettes Have No More Power Over Me!” Local Musician Dan Maloney Shares His Personal Struggle and Victory Over Nicotine.

Dan “the piano guy” Maloney’s talent has been impressing audiences since the age of 15. An accomplished musician, this Saint John (New Brunswick) native has shared his joie de vivre and musical talent through shows in piano bars, nightclubs, conventions, trade shows, private parties and weddings with a mixture of classic hits, top star impersonations and comedy routines. Now at 57 years of age, Dan is set to inspire others with a catchy anthem about quitting smoking. The song has a universal appeal, yet is profoundly personal, for his proudest accomplishment to date is his victory over his nicotine [...]

Défi Qui Cesse Gagne! (Biggest Quitter Challenge) Personal Commitments Towards Tobacco-Free Living

For many people, quitting smoking can be one of the biggest challenges to overcome. It is a challenge that is often made easier with the support and encouragement of others. Often, the act of sharing a personal goal, like quitting smoking, with an attentive ear, getting the right resources and knowing that someone supports you and will follow up to encourage you along your journey are what you need to begin leading a healthier lifestyle. That’s the idea behind the défi "Qui Cesse Gagne!" (Biggest Quitter Challenge), which took place on January 29, 2015, and invited all residents in [...]

In the Acadian Peninsula, Smokers Are Learning To Run and Breathe In Fresh Air – Tobacco-Free!

Brigitte Ouellette is a Respiratory Therapist and Certified Respiratory Educator at the Vitalité Health Network. As a member of the Acadian Peninsula’s Anti-Tobacco Coalition, she and her colleagues are always looking for interesting initiatives that can reach smokers and give them tools to live a healthier tobacco-free lifestyle. "Since smoking has a negative connotation and that smokers often feel judged by their peers, it’s often difficult to identify and approach smokers in our community in order to help them quit,” says Brigitte. One of the coalition’s newest program – Learn to Run for Smokers – is an innovative answer [...]

Quitting Smoking: A Race Towards Health and Wellness!

Robert Roy-Boudreau attributes training for a marathon with helping him to quit smoking, with the end result being the ability to fully live and celebrate life. His race began over a year ago and he’s been sharing his story ever since in order to encourage smokers and ex-smokers to live tobacco-free. Genuine, friendly and outgoing, this school principal (La Ruche School in Tracadie-Sheila) has been inspiring his teaching colleagues as well as parents with his enthusiasm for living life as a non-smoker. It’s impossible to hear Robert talk about his journey without feeling inspired to take action and start [...]

Inspiring Success Stories

Inspiring Success Stories The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) shares success stories from individuals, groups and organizations who have taken action to live tobacco and smoke-free in their homes, schools, workplace, and communities. An interesting collection of stories that highlight inspiring ideas and celebrates champions within our province is published here on our website. We also encourage you to follow us on social media – look for the #TobaccoFreeLiving #Champions hashtags to find these inspiring stories. We are always looking for new stories to share! Contact us! Check out our latest story! New Story

Inspiring Success Stories

The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) shares success stories from individuals, groups and organizations who have taken action to live tobacco and smoke-free in their homes, schools, workplace, and communities. An interesting collection of stories that highlight inspiring ideas and celebrates champions within our province is published here on our website. We also encourage you to follow us on social media – look for the #TobaccoFreeLiving #Champions hashtags to find these inspiring stories. We are always looking for new stories to share! Contact us! Check out our latest story! New Story

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