Viva Vitality: Don’t let tobacco take your breath away
By Michelle Sauve on May 31, 2019.
michelle.sauve@ahs.ca May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. Every year on May 31, the World Health Organization and its partners around the globe observe this date. The purpose of this day is to globally highlight the health risks associated with commercial tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce commercial tobacco consumption. This year’s theme “Don’t Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away” intends to increase awareness of the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lung health – from cancer to chronic respiratory disease – and the fundamental role lungs play in the health and well-being of all people. The good news is that the benefits of quitting are almost immediate. No matter what your age, your body starts to recover within 20 minutes of you quitting smoking. After 48 hours, the chance of having a heart attack goes down. Within 72 hours, lung capacity increases and within several months, lung function improves. Alberta Health Services is here to help Albertans quit through the Alberta Quits program. If you are thinking about quitting, Alberta Quits provides free, convenient and personalized resources that can double your chances of quitting. Help is available online at albertaquits.ca or by phone at 1-888-710-7848. Cessation counsellors will help you develop a quit plan, manage your cravings and stay on track. This support is available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is also a texting support program as well as group support though the Quit Core program. To mark World No Tobacco Day, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital will be hosting an awareness event May 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium. You can learn about a new committee at the hospital dedicated to supporting patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers understand the importance of AHS’s tobacco and smoke free environments policy. We can connect you to Alberta Quits resources and there will be an opportunity to check the carbon monoxide level in your lungs. If you are at the hospital on Friday, please visit us and enjoy some popcorn! There will be door-prize draws and some giveaways too. Questions about quitting? For Medicine Hat and area, contact me at 403-529-3529 or email michelle.sauve@ahs.ca. Michelle Sauve is a tobacco reduction counsellor with Alberta Health Services, and can be reached via email at michelle.sauve@ahs.ca 11-10
