October 1, 2009 - Today, ‘a cigarette’ was run over at Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute to symbolize that ‘driving away from tobacco’ is something all youth should strive for, and to launch our contest for a chance to win 2 full driving school packages.
During November, all young people aged 14–18 who currently smoke or chew tobacco are challenged to “take control” and quit using tobacco. Public Health Nurse and Tobacco Treatment Specialist Susan Trevisan is leading the contest and is hopeful that 100 current tobacco users will take the challenge to remain tobacco free for November. Although there is no specific best method identified for youth to quit, research shows that incentives for quitting appeal to youth.
“Most of the youth I counsel admit to starting very young,” Trevisan reported. “When motivated, they are able to quit easily but have difficulty staying quit due to self perceived peer pressure and the reliance on nicotine as a stress reliever. When there is a contest, the act of quitting can be contagious.” Those that have already chosen a tobacco free lifestyle are also eligible to enter. “These youth are the majority and need to be rewarded for this decision,” she said.
Although the youth smoking rate for Northwestern Ontario has continued to decline over the years, there is still a large number of youth becoming addicted to smoking and spit tobacco (moist snuff).
Gerry Picard, owner of www.TheDrivingSchool.ca, was concerned about some of the lifestyle choices youth were making. He approached the Health Unit with a generous donation of two grand prizes of full driving school packages because he felt this was a way he could help. “The youth tell me they know it’s harmful but use a tobacco product anyway so I’m giving them a reason to quit,” said Picard.
The issue of tobacco use is also of concern to Suzanne Eddy, Vice Principal, Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute. "We are happy to help launch such a worthwhile contest that targets teenage smokers,” said Eddy. We would like to approach the issue from a health perspective instead of just a disciplinary matter. This partnership will greatly benefit our students,"
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children early and often about the harmful effects and addictive nature of tobacco. It is important that our youth refuse to be a willing target for the tobacco industry. Chances are if you don’t start when you’re young, you won’t become a regular user.
Registration forms will be available through student services at all the city high schools or at the health unit. A variety of lunch hour displays with tobacco information and help to stay quit will be offered to the students throughout October and into November.