Halton Region supports residents in their journey to quit smoking

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

National Non-Smoking Week, running from Jan. 19-25, aims to encourage smokers to join thousands of others in taking their first steps toward becoming smoke-free.

This week provides an opportunity for Halton Region Public Health to highlight the resources and support available to residents looking to quit smoking.

Halton Region offers a variety of programs designed to help people along their journey to becoming smoke-free. Resources available on the region’s website include guides on creating a quit plan, managing cravings, and accessing local support services. These services include Halton Region Public Health’s Stop Smoking Clinic, which offers support online, in person, or over the phone.

Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region, emphasized the importance of having the right tools and support to begin the process.

“Getting started can be one of the biggest challenges. People often don’t feel it’s the right time or that they have the tools they need,” Dr. Lobo said. Online tools like Don’t Quit Quitting and support from primary care providers can help individuals take the first step.

Staying motivated is another significant hurdle. Dr. Lobo suggests strategies such as finding a support buddy, keeping a journal, setting rewards, and tracking progress.

“Quitting is a journey, and setbacks are part of the process. It’s important to view them as learning opportunities rather than failures,” she said, noting that becoming a non-smoker is an ongoing effort that requires perseverance.

Recent data from the Canadian Community Health Survey indicates some positive trends. In 2019-20, 9% of adults in Halton reported being current smokers, a decrease from 13% in 2017-18 and 16% in 2015-16. However, these differences were not statistically significant due to data variability.

Dr. Lobo encouraged those who have struggled with quitting in the past not to give up.

“It often takes multiple attempts, but persistence is key,” she said. She advises smokers to identify personal reasons for quitting, such as improved health or the ability to climb stairs without breathlessness, and to consider aids like nicotine replacement therapy, medications, or natural products after consulting a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Support systems are also essential. Options include the Halton Stop Smoking Clinic, Health811, apps like Quash, and text message programs such as iQuit.

Quitting is a journey, and sharing success stories serves as a powerful source of inspiration.

For Shiloh Dai, a Milton resident, quitting became a priority after she migrated to Canada last year to start a new life. Becoming a mother and protecting her family from exposure to tobacco made quitting an even greater priority.

“Quitting smoking changed my life in so many ways,” said Dai. “It wasn’t easy, but knowing I was improving my health and setting a better example for my family kept me going. It’s a decision I’ll never regret.”

This National Non-Smoking Week, Halton Region is collaborating with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on a social media campaign encouraging residents to take the first step toward quitting. The campaign highlights resources like STOP on the Net and inspires smokers to make this the year they quit for good.

“Set a quit date or cut back gradually,” Dr. Lobo said. “And remember, the most important lesson of all: never quit quitting.”