Local resident Terry Howe is cashing in after staying smoke-free for the first week of the month of October.
Her $500 prize is a reward for her participation in the Canadian Cancer Society’s First Week Challenge Contest in association with Nicorette® and Nicoderm®, a monthly initiative that encourages tobacco users in Ontario to make a quit attempt for the first seven days of the month.
“I was motivated to take part in the challenge because I thought it would help me stay focused,” explained Howe.
She was no stranger to Smokers’ Helpline and took part in other smoke-free challenges in previous years, which shows that quitting smoking is not a one-time event but something a person does over time.
Quitting smoking is one of the biggest challenges a smoker will face, and the cravings and withdrawal symptoms will be the toughest during the first week. Once a smoker makes it through the first week smoke-free, they are nine times more likely to quit for good.
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the free support services of Smokers’ Helpline to help them with their quit attempt.
Quitlines, such as Smokers’ Helpline, more than double the likelihood of quitting successfully.
“Many people want to quit smoking but need the type of support provided through Smokers’ Helpline. The prize is really about getting them to take that important first step,” says Monica Bennett, Senior Coordinator for Smokers’ Helpline in Central West Ontario.
“Many people have to quit and quit again, so having a monthly challenge means that they can keep entering until they have quit smoking for good.”
Anyone looking to quit smoking is encouraged to register with the First Week Challenge Contest online at www.firstweekchallengecontest.ca and get support by connecting with the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline, toll-free, at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.
About Smokers’ Helpline
Smokers’ Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides personalized support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society and funded by the Government of Ontario, Smokers’ Helpline has three ways to help Ontarians quit: phone support, online program and text messaging at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.
