Quitting smoking is never easy, even though most smokers know the habit is bad and it’s killing them. That isn’t lost on the Canadian Cancer Society and other health professionals, who today marked World Cancer Day with the 2015 kick off to the Driven to Quit Challenge at Northside Toyota Wednesday morning.
A chance to win one of three Toyota vehicles and cash prizes attracted over 240 participants from the Algoma district last year. The real prize however comes after a month of not smoking.
“The success rate is much higher for those who can quit for 30 days” said Rodney Buzdygan, Manager Canadian Cancer Society Algoma & District. “If you can quit for a month, research shows you’re five times higher to remain smoke-free for good”
Entrants are entered into a prize draw to take place the first week of April. Potential winners must prove that they have been remained tobacco-free for the month of March. There’s even an incentive to have a support buddy who could $100.
Janet Allen, Public Health Nurse Tobacco control program co-originator says smoking is on it’s way down in the district, but says young adults are a concern.
“Normally, in the past if you haven’t started smoking by the time you’re 18 or older there’s a good chance that you won’t start smoking” But she also says nowadays that age group is on the rise to start smoking. “There’s several different factors, young people are at college or university, there’s parties, they are away from home and they start smoking”
The Drive to Quit Challenge has contributed to 213,000 quit attempts since starting 9 years ago.
Ward 2 councillor Susan Myers was in attendance as a rep from the city, “I almost wished I smoked so I could quit and win a car!” Myers joked.
The Grand Prize is a choice of one of three vehicles, 2015 Nissan Sentra SR; a 2015 Corolla S or a 2015 Scion tC
along with seven regional prizes of $1,000.
Those interested in the challenge are encouraged to register at www.DrivenToQuit.ca There’s even Smoker’s Helpline and Support with helpful tips. tools and information.
The Driven to Quit Challenge, presented by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., makers of NICODERM® and NICORETTE®.
