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NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

*************************** Algoma residents committing to quit - The Driven to Quit Challenge is well under way

More than 50 people in the Algoma region have already committed to quit smoking this March by registering for the fifth annual Driven to Quit Challenge.

There is ample time for others to join them as registration is open until February 28, 2010 and if you register before January 31, 2010, you will be eligible for the early bird prize, a $1,000 MasterCard gift card.

The Driven to Quit Challenge is a health promotion campaign hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society in support of a Smoke-Free Ontario.

Algoma Public Health is a proud partner in the challenge.

Ontario adults can enter with a support buddy and pledge to quit smoking or tobacco use this March.

Entrants who are successfully smoke free for the month of March have the chance to win a 2010 Ford Escape hybrid and one of two $5,000 vacation getaways.

A $2,000 MasterCard gift card is exclusively reserved for one person in the Northeast region.

Prizes are generously sponsored by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

“To increase your chances of quitting and staying quit; pick a 'quit date' and stick with it, surround yourself with supportive people, get self-help information, prepare for symptoms of withdrawal, and inquire about the use of nicotine replacements or smoking cessation aids,” said Bill Grawbarger, public health nurse.

To register for the challenge, Ontarians aged 19 and over can visit www.DrivenToQuit.ca.

Algoma Public Health encourages all smokers and tobacco users in the region to show their drive to quit smoking this year.

Challenge entrants and their support buddies are encouraged to obtain additional support while attempting to quit.

Additional support is provided by the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline at 1 877 513-5333 and www.SmokersHelpline.ca

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