Advice for butting out in the new year

Advice for butting out in the new year

You Have A Better Chance Of Quitting If You Start Preparing Today

For Immediate Release - December 21, 2006 (TORONTO) – Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Canadian Cancer Society are challenging smokers to start preparing early to have a better chance at successfully quitting smoking in the new year.

“A New Year’s resolution is a great way for Ontarians to quit smoking, but it’s important that they prepare themselves properly” said Watson. “That’s why I’m challenging all smokers to get a head start on preparing to quit successfully this year.”

Every year, half of all Canadian smokers try to quit, and more than 3.8 million Ontarians are already former smokers. Those who resolve to quit for the New Year will be much more successful if they start preparing now by getting the information and support they need to develop a quit plan.

"Most people quitting for the first time try to do it on their own – they go cold turkey," said Peter Selby, Clinical Director of Addictions Program and Head of the Nicotine Dependence Clinic at CAMH. "If that does not work, there are other options such as medication, counselling and self-help. No matter which method you choose, staying with the process is very important to eventually quit for good."

"Quitting smoking can be challenging," says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. "But we know it's easier if smokers have the support of family and friends and a resource such the Society’s Smokers' Helpline."

The Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline offers advice, information and support by phone at 1-877-513-5333 or online at www.smokershelpline.ca to help smokers develop a personalized quit plan.

Here are some ways to get started:

- Ask why? Know the reasons why you smoke. If you understand where, when and why you smoke you will be able to prepare for cravings, avoid your triggers and use methods to cope. A good way to do this is to keep a smoker’s diary or log book to keep track of your smoking.

- Expect changes. Know what side effects and other changes to expect when quitting. In the early stages you may feel agitated or experience trouble sleeping as your body adjusts – this is called withdrawal.

- Practice makes perfect. Take small steps toward your goal of being a non-smoker, such as delaying your first cigarette of the day or cutting down on the amount you smoke.

- Set a date. Give some thought to where you will be and what you will be doing at that time. Pick a day that will be relatively routine.

- Make a pledge. Inform people who will believe in and encourage you. Be sure to ask them for their help if you need it.

- Anticipate and combat temptation and cravings. Avoid places and activities that give you the urge to smoke. Rather than smoking, do something that you enjoy to pass the time. In most cases the craving will pass after a few minutes.

- Get physical. Physical activity makes you feel good and can help your body recover from the negative effects of smoking. Use the stairs instead of the elevator, take the dog for a walk or do another physical activity that you enjoy.

- Make healthy food choices. Many people think that they will gain weight if they become a non-smoker. Drink a lot of water and eat healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables.

More than half of Canadians who have ever smoked have quit – you can too.

The Ministry of Health Promotion was established to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in Ontario. Key priority areas include Ontario’s smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental health promotion.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is one of the largest addiction and mental health organizations in North America and Canada's leading mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH combines clinical care, research, policy, education and health promotion to improve the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Michael Torres, Media Relations Coordinator, CAMH at (416) 595 6015.