Submitted by Yves Descoste, RN BScN, Public Health Nurse and Tobacco
Coordinator
New Legislation
Smoking will be prohibited in all enclosed public places and workplaces
in Ontario as of May 31st 2006. The new Smoke-Free Ontario Act will
replace two existing pieces of legislation: the Tobacco Control Act and
the Smoking in the Workplace Act. The new legislation will also
completely eliminate tobacco sales displays as of May 31st of 2008.
Over 16,000 Ontarians die yearly as a result of smoking related
diseases.
Quit Smoking Contest
Residents of Leeds Grenville and Lanark participated in great
numbers in the Ontario Quit Smoking 2005 Contest. Participants where
asked to sign up, make a quit plan and find a buddy to support them in
the quit effort. Smokers had to be smoke-free for the entire month of
February to be eligible for one of seven regional prizes or the grand
prize of a Ford Mustang. Over 19,000 smokers signed up including 331
area residents taking part in the biggest contest yet.
2nd
Annual Tobacco Arts Contest
Secondary students within Leeds, Grenville and Lanark were invited
to submit any type of art. The projects were to create awareness about
smoking and its effects (example shown at right). Winners were Katie
Howe – Notre Dame Catholic High School, Carleton Place; Katherine Watson
– St. John Catholic High School, Perth; Kyle Tonsant – South Grenville
District High School, Prescott. The art was posted on
YouthEscape, which is a
local youth driven tobacco website. Feel free to visit
www.healthunit.org/youthescape/default.htm.
Media Campaigns
The Health Unit participated in two media campaigns. Breathing Space
aims to remind smokers to take smoking outside the home and not expose
children to the effects of second-hand smoke. The “Not to Kids” campaign
discusses the issue of social supply of cigarettes to minors. Selling or
supplying of tobacco to anyone under the age of 19 is an offence under
the Tobacco Control Act in Ontario and could result in a fine. When it
comes to tobacco prevention and protecting our children from exposure to
second-hand smoke, we all have a part to play.
More information on a
Tobacco-Free Society...
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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