Just Say NO!

Just don't do it....... Smoke that is. Simple right?

Apparently not. I can't say much myself cause I never have. I don't have a high horse I am riding, I just never felt the need.

I am not alone. In 2012 56% of Canadians, over the age of 15, had never smoked. Of the 44% of Canadians that have smoked only 16% were still smokers.  Although the percentage of smokers has decreased from 25% in 1999, Health Canada still considers this a major health concern.

This week is National Non-smoking week.  The theme this year is "Truth in Advertising". Non-smoking advocate groups say that the warnings and designs on cigarette packages are not deterring enough.
"If tobacco companies were truthful in their advertising, their packaging would be in the shape of a coffin," said Bob Walsh, executive director, Canadian Council for Tobacco Control. "It's no secret that cigarettes are the most dangerous product on the market - when used as directed, they have a fifty per cent kill rate. Yet the tobacco industry continues to use branding and product packaging to attract youth and to make their deadly products appear safe."
From <The Canadian Cancer Society>


National Non-Smoking Week aims to:
    • educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking
    • prevent people who do not smoke from beginning to smoke and becoming addicted to tobacco
    • help people quit smoking
    • promote the right of individuals to breathe air unpolluted by tobacco smoke
    • denormalize the tobacco industry, tobacco industry marketing practices, tobacco products, and tobacco use
    • assist in the attainment of a smoke-free society in Canada
   
   
If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking,  There is a smokers helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or go to www.smokershelpline.ca

If you would like to support the National Non-smoking week, donations can be made by going to Canadian Council for Tobacco Control