There were 648 Wellington and Dufferin residents who took part in this year’s Driven to Quit challenge – almost 100 more than last year.
The annual provincial challenge attempts to motivate smokers to give up tobacco for a full month as the first step in becoming smoke-free for the rest of their lives.
Participants who completed the challenge were entered into a province-wide draw for the chance to win prizes. A $2,000 regional prize was awarded to Julie Adams, of Palmerston.
“I entered so the kids would quit nagging me about smoking,” said Adams. “It was hard in the beginning, but it got easier. The fact that there was a chance I could win kept me going. The Driven to Quit Challenge changed my life.”
Adams used nicotine gum to help her quit.
WDG Public Health awarded $50 Canadian Tire gift certificates to local winners Denis Miron, Nicole Bastarache, and Danielle Kilgore-Hack, of Guelph, Troy Greenley of Clifford, Richard Macksey of Orangeville, and Christine Murray of Mansfield.
Although the Driven to Quit Challenge is over, there are still resources available to those who want to quit smoking. The Smokers’ Helpline is a confidential service that provides free, personalized support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. You can call 1-877-513-5333 or visit www.smokersline.ca.
The STOP study (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) also offers smoking cessation medications to participants 19 and older. In consultation with a family doctor, eligible smokers can receive 12 weeks of Zyban® or Champix® at no charge. Interested smokers can find out more by calling WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 extension 4622.
