National Non-Smoking Week January 19 to 25

The beginning of a new year is often a time when people reflect on their lifestyle choices and focus on their health, which is why I’d like to remind anyone who is trying to quit smoking that it’s never too late to quit.

For over 40 years, Canadians have marked National Non-Smoking Week, raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to encourage smokers to quit.

National Non-Smoking Week runs from January 19 to 25 and is a perfect time to consider improving your health by quitting smoking or vaping.

Tobacco use is known to be the biggest preventable cause of death in Canada, with approximately 16,000 people in Ontario dying every year.

National Non-Smoking Week also recognizes the risks associated with e-cigarettes and recreational cannabis.

Weedless Wednesday takes place on January 22, encouraging smokers of tobacco and recreational cannabis to quit the habit for 24 hours.

Quitting smoking or vaping may be a challenge, but taking small steps are important to help you along your quit journey.

I encourage you to talk to your health care provider about strategies to help you along the way.

The Health Department also offers several resources to help support individuals who want to quit smoking and vaping.

For more information on quitting smoking and vaping, visit durham.ca/TobaccoAndVaping.