In recognition of National Non-Smoking Week, which runs Jan. 21-27, Alberta Health Services wishes to remind Albertans of programs and services available to quit smoking:
- Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medications that can help you quit.
- Visit AlbertaQuits.ca for information and tools to prepare you to quit.
- Talk to a counsellor at the AlbertaQuits helpline (1-866-710-7848). Free for all Alberta residents, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
- Sign up for AlbertaQuits by Text. It’s a free, three-month text messaging program that delivers motivational messages, advice and tips to your cell to help you quit. Text the word ABQUITS to number 123456 to register.
- Sign up for QuitCore, a group support program that provides individuals with the strategies and skills they need to quit tobacco while connecting them with others who are also trying to quit. This program is offered in person and virtually.
According to the release announcing the reminder, more than 4,000 Albertans die every year from causes directly related to tobacco use, while “tens of thousands” have illnesses stemming from tobacco use that “greatly affect their quality of life.”
“Quitting is one of the most important things anyone can do to improve health and lower the risk of disease,” notes the release.
“Commercial tobacco use (such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco) is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in Alberta, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, oral cancers, chronic lung disease, diabetes and other illnesses.”
The release from AHS continues that smokers or those who have quit who are aged 50-74 may be eligible for lung cancer screening, and should speak to their primary care provider, or call 1-866-727-3926 or visit screeningforlife.ca/lung for more information.