The start and promise of a New Year gives us an opportunity to think back on the past year and to make positive changes for the next. One thing many Canadians make a resolution to do this time of year is quit smoking.
Although the number of people who smoke has been going down since 1965, more than five million Canadians still smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, killing 40,000 Canadians per year.
On July 1, 2016, UHN became a smoke free environment – banning the smoking of tobacco, including the holding of any lighted tobacco product and the use of electronic cigarettes in all UHN buildings and outdoor grounds.
At UHN, we understand that quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things a person can do. Research shows it takes most people about six attempts before they are able to quit for good.
UHN is committed to helping all patients, visitors and staff quit smoking at our hospitals. That means providing staff and patients with education, resources and guidance to be and remain smoke-free.
Research shows an organized, hospital-supported program can actually help patients quit smoking. UHN is working with the Ottawa Heart Institute to begin such a program to help patients manage their nicotine withdrawal while admitted in hospital and to offer follow up support when heading home.
National Non-Smoking Week is January 21 to 27. UHN will get the jump on those activities by marking it this week at all sites, including Toronto Rehab's Bickle, Rumsey and Lyndhurst, with posters and displays put up by the Patient and Family Education team to help make patients, caregivers and staff aware of how they can quit with the support of hospital and external resources.
The Outpatient Pharmacy has a program for staff and patients that provides counseling and medication options to help quit smoking. We provide staff and patients with resources and information through the Patient and Family Learning Centre and Libraries.
UHN also enforces a strict smoke free property grounds policy at all sites.
Whether you quit "cold turkey" or with some help, quitting smoking has the single greatest positive impact on your health. Quitting smoking is a journey, and UHN staff are here to help you as you make your way towards a smoke-free future.
If you would like more information about how to quit smoking, please visit:
Smoking Cessation at UHN: uhnsmokingcessation.com
[Editor's Note: Link is no longer available]
Smoker's Helpline: www.smokershelpline.ca
[Editor's Note: Link is no longer available] or 1 877 513 5333
CAMH Nicotine Dependence Clinic: 416 535 8501 ext. 77400
UHN Outpatient Pharmacies:
QuitSmoking@uhn.ca
You can also ask for Smoking Cessation material at our Patient and Family Education Libraries.
Often, the first step is to have a conversation about your smoking, so with that in mind — let's talk.
