Most people who smoke want to quit: Northern Health

Quitting smoking is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions.

This is because most people who smoke actually want to quit, according to Northern Health Regional Nursing Lead for Tobacco Reduction Nancy Viney.

“If they’ve had experience trying to quit and weren’t successful, maybe cutting down might be a good strategy,” she says.

“If you have a relapse, it’s just a slip. Keep trying to quit because there are resources to help you be successful.”

Nicotine patches, gum, inhaler, and lozenges are items Viney lists as ways to help quit smoking.

These are especially important to note for people in northern B.C., because of the higher smoker rate in the region.

“In the province, we’re around 14%; in the north, we’re around 20%,” Viney explains.

“We’re trying to reduce those rates and where there’s less people smoking, it’s easier for those who are smoking to quit.”

Viney says tobacco is the top cause of preventable death in Canada.

On the eighth day of Spirit, my true love gave to me…
A smoke-free holiday.
What’s better than having a smoke-free 2018? Quitting now! It’s never too early or too late to begin the quitting process. Plus there are free supports available:https://t.co/eN7gSIhY6p pic.twitter.com/MPdVN0LEQ5

— Northern Health (@Northern_Health) December 18, 2017