The Grey-Bruce Health Unit is hoping a couple of province-wide challenges will help smokers of all ages quit for good.
The deadline to apply to the Driven to Quit Challenge and the In the Nic-O-Time Challenge is Monday, the last day of February.
Youth Engagement Team Leader Jason Cranny says the In the Nic-O-Time Challenge is geared toward youth between the ages of 14 and 19.
He says it’s important to get supports in place for youth who want to quit smoking, as they’re often overlooked because they’re not of legal age to buy cigarettes.
But Cranny says the reality is that the earlier tobacco companies get someone hooked, the longer the company makes money off them.
Youth who vow to never smoke, or make an attempt to quit or cutback in the month of March will be entered into draws for iPods, and a grand prize of an iPad gift pack.
Those entries can be made at www.quit2win.ca.
For adults, the Driven to Quit challenge has been successful in previous years, with 28 thousand adults making an attempt last year alone.
Health Promoter Crystal Ferguson says family and friend support is crucial to the success of someone attempting to quit — but she says it’s important not to push or nag them.
You can sign up at www.DrivenToQuit.ca to stay smoke-free for the month of March.
The top prizes are a couple of brand new hybrid cars, or a vacation getaway.
There are also prizes for support buddies.
