June 14, 2006 - The SCOPE - Page 19 Innisfil woman a winner in provincial quit smoking contest | www.innisfilscope.com

Dauda was one of 2,229 adults who entered the contest in our area by pledging to quit smoking for at least one month. Her prize, as one of seven regional winners, is a 32-inch Sony high definition TV. Her support buddy, Martin Juuse, was awarded $250. The grand prize 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid was won by Lynn Marchand of Cornwall.

"Once again Simcoe Muskoka residents led the way with the second highest number of registrants province wide," said Leslie

Gordon, Tobacco Program Co-ordinator with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. "The reality is most smokers want to quit and the contest acts as a great incentive to set a quit date. We know most people must make many attempts before they quit for good so anyone who wasn't successful in April shouldn't give up; they need to set a new quit date and try again."

Across the province 25,863 daily adult smokers entered the contest, up from some 19,000 in 2005. The new Smoke-free Ontario Act banning smoking in all

enclosed work and public places as of May 31, is also expected to act as an incentive to help smokers quit. Research shows smokers who can't light up at work smoke fewer cigarettes daily, making it easier for them to quit.

"It's important for smokers wanting to quit to remember that there are products available that can help them kick the habit. Nicotine replacement therapy - the patch, gum or inhaler - can help to reduce cravings and boost success rates for quitting," said Gordon. Smokers' Helpline

is also ready to help smokers wanting to quit with both a phone helpline at 1-877-5135333 and a website www.smokershelpline.ca http://www .smokershelpline. ca/

"With only one in five people 12 and older smoking, there's no doubt more and more people are choosing to be smoke free," added Gordon, "The quit smoking contest may be over for another year, but anyone who quits will immediately win with better health."