By Michelle Brokop, PSP Ottawa Health Promotion Specialist
Happy New Year! Is it time to make some positive changes this year? What better time to quit tobacco or support someone to quit during National Non-Smoking week 21- 27 January.
Tobacco is the only product that when used as intended and as directed will kill its user. We are not just talking about tobacco in cigarettes, but all forms of tobacco products.
Did you know?
- Tobacco use kills more than 45,000 Canadians every year.
- There are over 4000 dangerous chemicals in cigarettes, cigars and pipes smoke.
- One out of every two lifetime smokers die from smoking, mostly from cancer or heart disease.
- Diabetic smokers increase their risk of circulatory problems.
- Tobacco users have more dental problems: cavities, gum disease.
- Broken bones heal more slowly if you use tobacco.
(Source: Health Canada: On the road to Quitting)
20 Minutes after quitting
Your blood pressure drops to a level similar to that before your last cigarette.
8 Hours after quitting
The level of carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) in your blood drops to normal.
24 Hours after quitting
Your risk of having a heart attack starts to drop.
2 Weeks to 3 Months after quitting
The airways in your lungs relax and you can get more air into your lungs and breathe easier.
1 to 9 Months after quitting
You cough less and your lungs are even stronger.
1 Year after quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half than that of a smoker’s.
5 Years after quitting
You have the same chance of having a stroke as a non-smoker.
10 Years after quitting
Your chance of dying from lung cancer is much lower. So is your chance of getting cancer in your mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, kidney, and/or pancreas.
15 Years after quitting
Your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.
What better time to quit tobacco or support someone to quit during National Non-Smoking week.
Ready to quit? If yes…
- Register for Butt Out: the Canadian Armed Forces Tobacco Cessation Program. This program gives you specific guidance to help change behaviors associated with tobacco use and provides essential support for individuals who want to quit using tobacco. Contact CFSU(O) Health Promotion Office at 613-996-4315, or firstname.lastname@example.org to book an appointment.
- Register for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline and get started:smokershelpline.ca or participate in the First Week Challenge for a chance to win $500.
- Check out the wouldurather contest that is open to Ontario residents who are between the ages of 18-29 wouldurather.ca. They have categories for those who Quit, Cut Back or Stay Smoke-Free. Register online by January 28, 2018 for a chance to win $10 000 in cash prizes!
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