News Feature                                    For Immediate Release:

                                                                                                                                     February 16, 2007

Smokers Who “Kick Butt” Can Win Big!

There is just over a week left for smokers to register for the 2007 Driven to Quit Challenge! Tobacco users have a chance to win a 2007 Acura CSX or one of seven Sony Widescreen LCD HDTVs if they agree to butt out for the month of March. The Challenge is open to residents of Ontario, aged 19 and older, who are daily cigarette smokers for at least the past year. If you’ve already kicked the habit and have quit smoking since January 1, 2007, you can still enter to win. Registration ends on February 28, 2007.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there is help available that will increase a smoker’s chances of butting out for good. Locally, the Tobacco Treatment Team at Public Health offers individual support for quitting smoking and relapse prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 is a free, confidential telephone based service that provides personalized support, advice and information about quitting. Talking to a health care professional or pharmacist can also help smokers decide whether or not an aid, such as the nicotine patch, gum and/or inhaler would be beneficial.

Support from family and friends can make a real difference to quitting successfully. A non-smoking “buddy” is required in order to take the Challenge, but buddies can win a $250 prize.

“Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your life and health”, says Lisa Prowd, Public Health Nurse for the Grey Bruce Health Unit. “The benefits of becoming smoke-free begin immediately and last a lifetime. The Challenge is on. You have it in you. Quit smoking and be a winner!”

Join the Driven to Quit Challenge at www.driventoquit.ca or call 1-877-513-5333. To receive a hard-copy registration form, visit your local Canadian Cancer Society or Public Health offices in Owen Sound and Walkerton.

The Driven to Quit Challenge is presented by the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division and funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion, in partnership with Public Health. Prizes are made possible through the generous support of Johnson & Johnson Inc.

Winners will be randomly drawn on March 30, 2007 and publicly announced on April 30, 2007.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit www.driventoquit.ca

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For more information:

Lisa Prowd, RN, B.Sc.N.

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, ext. 437