Health Department celebrates National Non-Smoking Week January 18 to 24

Whitby, Ontario – January 18 to 24 is National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW) and Durham Region Health Department is reminding everyone that it's never too late to quit smoking. NNSW is a time to highlight the harms of nicotine addiction and to bring awareness of the support, encouragement and education available to those who are trying to quit smoking and vaping.

Smoking continues to be the leading cause of cancer and preventable death in Canada. In Ontario, tobacco use is responsible for more than 16,000 deaths every year. Tobacco use can cause disease and other serious health outcomes including cancer, respiratory ailments and heart disease. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with 70 or more that are known to cause cancer. People who smoke and anyone exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk.

Vaping has also emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly amongst youth. Vapes are now widely used by young people, most of whom have never smoked. These products often contain high levels of nicotine, increasing the risk of addiction and potentially affecting brain development in adolescents. Flavours and targeted marketing have made these products especially appealing to young people, while the rise of disposable devices produce large amounts of environmental waste and raises additional health concerns.

“The health effects of smoke and vapour are harmful, and the risks are greater when started at a young age,” said Noa Goldberg, a public health nurse with the Health Department. “Modelling positive behaviour to youth reinforces the value of a smoke-free life. It’s never too late for anyone at any age to make a positive change for their health, including quitting smoking or vaping. We encourage individuals to connect with their health care providers for support and guidance about available strategies that can help them quit.”

There is help available to provide education and support for quitting, with helpful tools and supports for you or a loved one:

• Don’t Quit Quitting: An online tool for Ontario adults who want to quit smoking or vaping, with easy-to-understand information and supports to help people quit for good.
• Not an Experiment: Resources for educators, parents, and youth to prevent the initiation and escalation of vaping among youth in grades seven to 12.
• Brief Conversations Toolkit: Information and resources to help caring adults talk to youth who vape to help support behaviour change.

For more information on quitting smoking and vaping, tobacco and vaping use prevention and protection from exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, visit durham.ca/TobaccoAndVaping.

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For more information please contact the Health Department.