Most people are aware smoking is harmful to their health. Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and many other health related diseases. About 45,000 people in Canada die each year from smoking related diseases, 1,000 of them are Newfoundland and Labradorians.

While smoking is harmful to smokers it is also harmful for people who don’t smoke. Second-hand smoke kills over 1,000 non-smoking Canadians every year and about 110 non-smoking Newfoundland and Labradorians. Children are the most vulnerable. 8,000 Newfoundland and Labrador children become sick each year because of exposure to second-hand smoke.

While this information is alarming, there is good news to share! 79% of people in our province do not smoke. This means the majority of people are living smoke-free. So how do we increase this number? Well, we’re working on it.

In May 2006, together with our partners, the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco, the Regional health Authorities, community organizations and School Districts, The Provincial Tobacco Reduction Strategy was launched.

The Strategy focuses on four key goals: prevention, cessation, protection and denormalization. It also uses a comprehensive approach that includes: prevention and education; public education and awareness; help for smokers to quit; legislation; taxation and, enforcement to reduce the impact smoking has on the population.

Key Actions:

The Smoke-Free Environment Act 2005 protects people from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The Tobacco Control Act aims to reduce the number of young people who begin to smoke by making it difficult for them to obtain tobacco products. 95% of retailers in our province do not sell tobacco products to youth.

New School District Policies 2006 eliminates all smoking on school premises.

Department of Health and Community Services and the department of Education have developed and implemented school based tobacco prevention programs that help to deliver the stay smoke-free message to young people.

The Alliance for the Control of Tobacco’s public education campaigns promote the benefits of tobacco-free living.

The Lung Association’s Smokers’ Help Line supports people who want to quit. Call 1-800-363-5864 or check out www.smokershelp.net. 

For more information about living smoke-free check out our partners’ websites, or follow the links below.

Go Smoke Free

Quit Smoking Tips

Provincial Tobacco Reduction Strategy

Smoke Environment Act

Tobacco Control Act

Smoker's Help Line

Federal Tobacco Control Strategy

Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey

	Get psyched. It is possible to quit and it is never too late. It might be tough, but millions of people have done it. If they can, you can.
	Put it in writing. Write down why you want to quit. This will help keep you focused
	Set a date. Pick a day to quit and stick to it.
	Clean house. Get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
	Smoke free zones. Don't let people smoke in your home.
	Change it up. When you first try to quit, change your routine. Take a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Change the things you do that you associate with smoking.
	Think positive. Remember the benefits of quitting. Within minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins to repair itself. For example, after 20 minutes blood pressure and pulse rate begin to drop to normal and the benefits only increase from there. After 10-15 years your chance of dying from lung cancer or heart disease is about the same as a non-smoker!
	This too will pass. When you feel the craving for a cigarette, distract yourself. Go out for a quick walk. Take a drive. Iron your clothes. Believe it or not, the urge to smoke will pass whether you smoke or not!
	Be your own pep squad. Take a few deep breaths and have a chat with yourself about why you are quitting.
	Get help. Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. Whether it’s your friends or family, your family doctor, a support group, or an internet site... if you need support don’t be afraid to get it. It could make all the difference.
	Get active. Many smokers gain weight when they quit. Staying active  can help and it can distract you from your cravings.
	Find a substitute. The smoking habit involves having something to do with your hands or mouth. Try chewing gum, drinking more water or another action that can temporarily replace the smoking action.