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Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 7 The Regional Municipality of Durham Health Department teams up with the Oshawa Generals during National Non-Smoking Week WHITBY, ON, January 12, 2010 - Durham Region Health Department is marking National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW), Jan.17 to 23, by teaming up with the Oshawa Generals in an effort to reduce tobacco use throughout the Region. Hockey players from the team will be signing autographs on "Weedless Wednesday", Jan. 20, in centre court at the Oshawa Centre from 5 to 6 p.m. The Health Department has partnered with the team to promote a tobacco-free sports and recreation campaign with the overall goal of encouraging local sport and recreation organizations to adopt a tobacco-free policy. "The Oshawa Generals have a tobacco-free policy within their organization and we're encouraged by their commitment to promote the smoke-free message throughout the community," said Katie Bertrand, a public health nurse with the Health Department. "They have a great influence on the lives of young people and we are hopeful that their involvement in this initiative will be mirrored by coaches in all sports and recreation organizations throughout the Region." The year's NNSW theme, "Quitting is contagious, pass it on!" is a play on words being used to demonstrate the influence others have on smokers and their ability to quit. "It's easier for people to quit smoking when others in their social circle have also quit," added Ms. Bertrand. "People tend to follow the quitting behaviours of their spouses, friends, siblings and coworkers." For over 30 years, NNSW has been observed across Canada to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada, responsible for more than 37,000 deaths every year. According to a 2008 Health Department survey, 61 per cent of current smokers over the age of 18 have an intention to quit smoking within the next six months. "The beginning of a New Year is traditionally a time to reflect on lifestyle changes and to make resolutions that often include smoke-free living," explained Ms. Bertrand. "NNSW is an excellent time to quit smoking. The Health Department offers a wide variety of free supports for people looking to quit. Quit smoking contests, support groups, education sessions and self-help guides are all effective tools that support quitting smoking." The Health Department is also offering a free six-week quit smoking program where participants are welcome to bring friends or relatives to support them. The next information session for this group will be held on Jan. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters, 605 Rossland Rd. E., Whitby. Preregistration with the Health Department is required. For more information on quitting smoking, local NNSW displays, or to register for the six week quit smoking group, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-6666241 or 1-800-841-2729 or visit www.durham.ca. Start your year off right OSHAWA- For all those who have a resolution to give back, here is your chance. St. John Ambulance of Durham Region has started another year, and with the New Year comes new volunteer opportunities within the organization in programs such as youth, medical first response and therapy dogs. On January 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. St. John Ambulance is holding a Volunteer Orientation night at the head office, 64 Colborne Street East in Oshawa. Anyone looking to get involved with St. John and the community is welcome to come and learn more about how they can participate, meet superintendents and leaders, and gain knowledge on the organization. St. John Ambulance is the oldest non-profit organizations in the world, and has been a leader in CPR and First Aid for school and businesses across the community for years thanks to dedicated volunteers. So make a change, and join the movement. For more information, please contact St. John Ambulance, Durham Region (905)-434-7800 Reduce Reuse Recycle