Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Weedless Wednesday – National Non-Smoking Week
This is Weedless Wednesday, the mid-point of National Non-Smoking Week, Jan 19-25. Weedless Wednesday promotes a "one day at a time" approach to quitting smoking, as it takes many quit attempts before a smoker finally is able to break free of tobacco addiction. Weedless Wednesday focuses attention on the benefits and the resources available to help smokers quit.
First held in 1977, National Non-Smoking Week aims to help prevent individuals from starting to smoke, help smokers quit and to support smoke-free environments. This year’s theme “Truth in Advertising” looks at the deceptive tactics used by tobacco and electronic cigarette makers. E-cigarettes are touted as a safe and effective way to quit. In fact, there’s no proof they are either.
The increased availability of e-cigarettes and the strategies used to promote them are of concern. Designed to look like cigarettes, these products are regularly rebranded and modified to appeal to more users. Among the e-cigarette marketing tactics causing concern are colourful packaging, flavouring, alternative design and appearance, adjustable smoke volume and voltage, making the products rechargeable/disposable, longer battery life and lower prices. In addition, displays and ads are quickly becoming more engaging and sophisticated.
E-cigarettes and accessories including e-liquid containing nicotine can be found at grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores and online. Public Health regularly receives calls from schools, workplaces, restaurants and healthcare providers concerned about the growing use of these products. Elementary and high school students have also been reported using them. Youth exposed to tobacco use and smoking behaviour, even with products that mimic cigarettes, are more likely to start smoking themselves. The Grey Bruce Health Unit encourages tobacco and e-cigarette users to quit. For more information on free tobacco cessation workshops where smokers can access free nicotine replacement therapy and counselling support, call 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.
Media Contact:
Angela Newman
Manager, Tobacco Program
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1252
a.newman@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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