Activities aim to reduce tobacco related illness and death

 

The use of tobacco causes more death and serious illness in Ontario than any other health hazard. In 2004 Health Unit staff carried out many activities related to smoking prevention, smoking cessation and protection from second hand smoke in homes, workplaces and community locations. Highlights from 2004 were as follows:

 

Protection from second-hand smoke

 

Ø      Provided support to the Arnprior Clean Air Team in their advocacy efforts for a 100 percent smoke-free public places bylaw. The Town of Arnprior began implementation of the bylaw on October 1, 2004.

 

Ø      Provided leadership for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Renfrew County in its efforts to promote smoke free living.

 

Ø      Networked with the Ontario Tobacco Free Network, The Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco, the Media Network and the Eastern Ontario Tobacco Use Prevention Network.

 

Ø      Promoted smoke-free living through the mass media (radio, newspapers, posters, pamphlets and billboards).

 

Ø      Organized a “Clearing the Air in Workplaces” workshop to encourage the development of policies that would protect workers from exposure to second hand smoke.

 

Quit smoking support

 

Ø      Promoted the Ontario Quit Smoking 2004 Contest.

 

Ø      Hosted a Clinical Tobacco Intervention workshop, where pharmacists, doctors, dentists and their staff received training to support their patients with quitting smoking.

 

Ø      Provided counseling at Sexual Health Clinics, Student Health Centres and other Health Unit events.

 

Ø      Offered smoking cessation programs in the community and at workplaces.

 

Smoking prevention in schools

 

Ø      Provided teacher consultations, teaching resources, teacher training, support for student events and information for parents.