Be a quitter

Area residents can challenge themselves or a friend to quit smoking for the new year.
The sixth annual Driven to Quit Challenge will return in 2011. It is hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society in collaboration with the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. The challenge will offer prizes, including a new car, to motivate tobacco users across Ontario to stick to their New Year resolution and quit smoking with the support of a “buddy.”

Since 2006, the campaign has helped more than 130,000 entrants to make a quit attempt. Selected winners are drawn at random and are tested to verify that they have been tobacco-free.

“What makes the Driven to Quit challenge so motivating is the added encouragement it provides,” says Jordan Prosper, a health promoter with the Health Unit. “The contest gives participants more incentive to work harder and stay smoke-free.”

For help to get on track, tobacco users can access resources such as the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca for free support, advice and information.

Additional support can be found at the Health Unit’s Tobacco Talk Line at 613-966-5513 ext. 600. To speak to health promoter Jordan Prosper call 613-966-5513 ext 273. Callers in North Hastings can call toll free to 1-800-267-2803 and use either extension.

Registration for the challenge opens Jan. 4, 2011. Entrants can leave their e-mail now at DrivenToQuit.ca for a reminder to be one of the first to register and see the prizes that will be announced in the New Year.

The Driven to Quit Challenge is hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and prize support from McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Inc. The Driven to Quit Challenge is presented in collaboration with local public health units across the province.