Teens celebrate first anniversary of smoke-free Ontario

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

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May 31, 2007 marks the first anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. For the past year residents in North Bay and Parry Sound Districts have enjoyed more smoke free workplaces and public places. May 31st also marks World No Tobacco Day, a day observed worldwide to draw attention to the preventable disease and death caused by the tobacco epidemic. Locally, teens and “Quit Hero” volunteers are bringing attention to tobacco issues and these two events through their involvement with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

The Health Unit’s new Youth Action Alliance, known as F.A.C.T. (Facing Addiction Caused by Tobacco), have developed interactive displays which will be set up at Northgate Square on May 31st from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. These unique displays feature a coffin that reveals some of the dangerous chemicals contained in cigarettes, two sets of real (pig) lungs that show the graphic difference between healthy lungs and tobacco-damaged lungs, and a new youth-focused survey. To support smokers’ attempts to quit, free “Quit Kits” will also be available for youth and adults, along with free testing on a carbon monoxide monitor, which indicates the level of CO in the lungs.

As a means of providing peer motivation for adults who wish to quit smoking, the Health Unit has recruited the help of community members, who are former smokers, to publicly share their success as former smokers. During the last two weeks, North Bay “Quit Heroes” Carol Kopanas, Ken Brooks and Donna McTiernan have shared their stories, detailing their own motivation for quitting smoking, through news media interviews and a radio campaign. In Parry Sound, Gayle Warrilow shared her story as the Quit Hero for the Parry Sound area.

“Quit Kits” will continue to be available after May 31st at the Health Unit offices in North Bay, Parry Sound and Burks Falls. For more information on quitting smoking or the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit in North Bay at (705) 474-1400.

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