Renfrew County and District Health Unit encourages residents to quit smoking for a chance to win cash prizes. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you are looking for support to quit smoking, there are several opportunities available so you can quit smoking your way.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s First Week Challenge Contest encourages adult smokers to quit smoking for the first week of each month for a chance to win $500. Why is the first week so important? If a person is successful for the first week, they are nine times more likely to quit for good. The First Week Challenge is free to join and participants can take advantage of Smokers’ Helpline support services offered by phone, text or online. Register for the contest by the end of each month at www.FirstWeekChallengeContest.ca or call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (or the number on cigarette packages).
The Walk or Run to Quit program helps people quit smoking and train to walk or run 5 km. Many people struggle with withdrawal symptoms and cravings when trying to quit smoking. Exercise reduces cravings, helps manage withdrawal symptoms and helps people attain better health. Join a free do it yourself program or get extra support by joining a training program. Participants have a chance to win a $1,000 prize! Walk or Run to Quit is a partnership between Canadian Cancer Society and the Running Room and is made possible in part through funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Register by January 31st, 2018 at www.RunToQuit.com.
Leave The Pack Behind offers a six week wouldurather. . . contest to all young adults ages 18-29 who are residents of Ontario. More young adults smoke than any other age group and most young adult smokers say they want to quit. Wouldurather. . . contest is held annually to support young adults in their goals to quit, cut back, party without smoking, or remain smoke-free. This year, there is $10,000 in prizes to be won! Contestants receive regular support emails with quit tips from Leave the Pack Behind. Additional support is available through Smokers’ Helpline and contest participants may be eligible to receive eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (gum or patch) to help them quit. Register by January 28, 2018 at www.wouldurather.ca.
Official program rules are available at: www.FirstWeekChallengeContest.ca; www.RunToQuit.com and www.wouldurather.ca
For more information on local quit smoking supports and services, call MyQuit at 1-877-376-1701 or visit myquit.ca.
