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This year, from January 20 to 26, National Non-Smoking Week is being held under the compelling theme Taking my life back from tobacco, which not only evokes an image of the slavery associated with a smoking habit, but also reminds us that tobacco use shortens life. According to the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control, cigarettes kill no less than half of all long-term smokers. If this statistic alone is not enough to convince you to butt out, here is another: this bad habit reduces your life expectancy by about 15 years. Think of all of the small and big pleasures you will be able to enjoy thanks to your decision to quit smoking. To maintain your motivation, think of your loved ones. Adults who live with a smoker have a 30% greater risk of getting lung cancer and a 20-30% increased risk of dying from heart disease. Children who are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke have a greater risk of developing various health problems, such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections. How do you stop? Numerous resources are available to help you achieve your goal. The Canadian Cancer Society offers information booklets and all kinds of advice on smoke cessation methods on its Web site, at www.cancer.ca. In addition, smokers who want to improve and extend their life can take advantage of the helplines offered by the provinces and territories; the toll-free telephone numbers are listed on the National Non-Smoking Weeks Web site, at www.nnsw.ca. Help is also available through support groups, various products sold in drugstores, etc. No matter which method you choose, the important thing is to make up your mind to quit smoking, and then to persevere for life! Take your life back from tobacco Take your life back: quit smoking! January 20 to 26, 2008 ED PEAVOY SEPTIC PUMPING 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Lic. by the M.O.E. PUMPING OF HOLDING TANKS SEPTIC TANKS AROBIC TANKS 519-833-9180 Toll free 1-877-232-0229 P.O. BOX 709, ERIN, ON Pump and Servicing Pressure Line Flushing 171 Guelph St., Georgetown 905-877-5393 MICHAEL CHONG M.P. Wellington Halton Hills 1-866-878-5556 372 Queen St. East, Acton 519-853-1960 OPEN 24 HOURS FULL SERVICE SPA & SALON ON SITE 280 Guelph St., Georgetown 905 877 3115 370 Main St. N., Brampton 905 453 0304 $2999 Uniform Included For 1 Month Trial Expires Feb. 14/08 211 Armstrong Ave., Georgetown 905-702-111692 Guelph St., Georgetownwww.drpercysegal.com 905 7 0 2 74 00 Specializing in Periodontics Services: Implants, Periodontal Surgery & Periodontal Maintenance No Referrals Required Locally owned & operated by neighbours youve known & trusted for over 35 years! CARPET BARN 26 Guelph St., Downtown Georgetown 905 877-9896 carpetone.com 1-800-CARPET-1 Professional Hair Care Products Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, January 23, 2008 19