Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Huron County Health Unit
Helping Youth Quit Tobacco In the Nic-o-Time
Young people in Huron County have some new incentives to stay away from tobacco products beginning in March.
The In the Nic-O-Time Challenge is aimed at helping 14-19 year olds quit or cut down on using tobacco products. Youth who do not use tobacco can also register and pledge not to start using tobacco products.
Teens who register have the chance to win the grand prize of a $1,000 ultimate entertainment or electronics pack. There are also over $600 in local prizes available in Huron County.
Youth can register online throughout February at www.quit2win.ca.
“We’re really excited about this challenge. We know from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey that about 9% of Ontario high school students smoke," says Laura Tousaw, Public Health Promoter with the Huron County Health Unit. “We’re hoping lots of young people quit or cut down on their tobacco use. We also hope a lot of people stand up and say that they don’t want tobacco to be part of their life in the first place.”
The contest will be promoted throughout area high schools by local youth. Tousaw says, “Ultimately, everyone taking part in the challenge is protecting their health from a deadly addiction that kills half of all users.”
Youth interested in helping to create a healthier Huron and who wish to support the In the Nic-O-Time Challenge at their school can contact Laura Tousaw at the Huron County Health Unit for more information. Tousaw says having more young people lead a tobacco free life will help to prevent the 44,000 deaths in Canada every year resulting from tobacco related illness.
Media Contact:
Barbara Leavitt
Communications Co-ordinator, Huron County Health Unit
519-482-3416 or toll-free 1-877-837-6143
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