Challenge underway for quitters

More than 1,600 local residents are halfway through their challenge to stay smoke free for the month of March in the Driven to Quit contest. Across the province more than 27,000 people are working to stay smoke free for a chance to win a 2007 Acura CSX or a 32 inch HDTV.

"Once again Simcoe Muskoka is in the top three in the province for people trying to quit smoking," said Leslie Gordon, tobacco program co-ordinator for the health unit. "The contest is a great incentive for people ready to quit to take action." While not everyone will make it through the month tobacco free, Gordon says, it's still a winwin situation for these people. Anyone who is ready to quit but isn't convinced they can do it alone can register for a free three-hour stop smoking workshop being offered by the health unit during the week of March 26.

Eligible participants will be given a 10- week supply of the nicotine patch, gum or inhaler to support their quit attempt. The workshop and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are part of a study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health looking at the different distribution methods for NRT. At the workshop participants will be taught skills that will help them quit successfully.

Registration is required by calling Your Health Connection Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 721-7520 or toll free at 1- 877-721-7520. Participants will receive three follow-up phone calls at 10 weeks, three months, and 12 months to check on their progress.

"There is no magic pill or potion to quit smoking," said Gordon. "At the end of the day someone who smokes must really want to quit and must work very hard to become and stay tobacco free. That said, NRT has been shown to double the chances of success among smokers who feel they can't quit cold turkey and need support to succeed."