Next week is National Non-Smoking Week.
Alberta Health Services says it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of quitting smoking and vaping, and to help people get started on a quit journey that works for them. Many resources are available to help Albertans quit smoking and vaping for good.
Officials say that with the right support, you can double or even triple your chance of staying vape or smoke-free, improving your health.
AHS adds that within 20 minutes of putting out your last cigarette, blood pressure and heart rate go down with less stress on the heart and blood vessels.
It may take more than one try to quit for good, so it’s important to keep at it and never give up. Below are some steps and resources available for anyone trying to quit:
- Call the AlbertaQuits helpline at 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to receive free, confidential advice and support from a quit counsellor.
- Visit AlbertaQuits.ca for guidance and tools to build a quit plan.
- Text the word “ABQuits” to the number 123456 for free motivational text messages.
- Register for QuitCore, a group support program that teaches strategies for quitting and connects people who are trying to quit smoking and vaping. To find a group in your local area, call the AlbertaQuits helpline.
- Ask a doctor or health care provider about medications that can boost the chances of staying smoke-free.
National Non-Smoking Week is Sunday, January 19 to Saturday, January 25.
