Friday is World No Tobacco Day (WNTB) and the Durham Region Health Department is marking the event by reminding everyone that it's never too late to quit smoking.
They also reach out to young people to make them aware of the hazards of tobacco.
WNTD was created by the World Health Organization in 1987 and is recognized every year on May 31 to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco.
This annual event focuses on the tobacco epidemic and highlights the important work that still needs to be done in tobacco control.
This year, WNTD will provide a platform for young people around the world who are calling for the tobacco industry to stop targeting young people with products that are harmful to their health.
In Ontario, 16,000 deaths are attributable to tobacco use each year, and e-cigarettes remain a health concern among youth. As of 2023, approximately 13% of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported using e-cigarettes in the past year, of which 87% reported using e-cigarettes with nicotine. E-cigarette products are sometimes flavored as a way to encourage youth to start using e-cigarettes.
According to the WHO, young people around the world are calling on governments to adopt policies to protect them from deceptive practices by the tobacco and related industries, including the marketing of tobacco products through social media and streaming platforms.
“Schools are becoming more and more commonplace for students to use cigarettes and e-cigarettes,” said Georgette Chambers, a public health nurse with the health department. “Research shows that smoke and vape are harmful, and that starting at a young age can make it even worse. Modeling good behaviour for young people helps reinforce the value of a smoke-free lifestyle.”
“It's not too late for residents to consider quitting smoking or vaping to improve their health and prevent harmful effects,” she continued. “We encourage individuals to talk to their health care provider about a variety of strategies that can help them quit smoking or vaping.”
For more information on quitting smoking and vaping, preventing tobacco and vaping use, and protecting against secondhand smoke and vaping exposure, click here.
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