Québec Tobacco-Free Week: play a part in collective efforts to curb smoking in Québec

This year, Québec Tobacco-Free Week highlights the harmful effects of smoking on the health and lives of smokers as well as the consequences for their loved ones.

This year, Québec Tobacco-Free Week highlights the harmful effects of smoking on the health and lives of smokers as well as the consequences for their loved ones. Geared to smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers, Québec Tobacco-Free Week is aimed at promoting public awareness of the adverse effect of smoking and encouraging the public to play a part in collective efforts to curb smoking in Québec. The problem of smoking remains a leading concern, and the fight to finally live in a world without tobacco must go on.

Not convinced smoking is a problem for all generations? Let’s talk about scope

• There are 1.6 million smokers in Québec, which represents a significant proportion (23.8%) of the population (12 years old +).
• Smoking reduces life expectancy by 10 years.
• Smoking accounts for close to one billion dollars annually in related health costs in Québec.
• Smoking causes one-third of all deaths due to cardiovascular disease, the majority of cases of emphysema and more than 85% of lung cancers.
• Smokers suffer from more severe respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, cough, asthma, flu and bronchitis.
• A child exposed to second-hand smoke presents a higher risk of suffering from otitis, colds, respiratory problems and learning difficulties.
• Some adults believe that it is inevitable for young people to try tobacco. Some go so far as to offer them cigarettes, in spite of the serious health consequences this can have for the young person.
• Smokers light up for the first time at an average age of 12.7 years.
• About 45,300 high school students in Québec smoke cigarettes. That figure would be much higher if cigarillo use was taken into account. This product has gained in popularity among teens.
• On a daily basis, the harmful effects of smoking affect the quality of life of smokers as well as their autonomy and ability to recover from illness.
• Tobacco creates a physical and psychological dependency comparable to that of heroin or cocaine.
• 1 in 2 regular smokers will die as a result of tobacco use.
• Smoking claims 28 victims per day in Québec, or about 10,400 avoidable deaths every year.
• As a consequence, thousands of families are afflicted with disease and the loss of a loved one.

If you’ve tried to quit several times without the desired success, keep trying! On average, smokers take four attempts before they succeed in quitting. But succeed they do! Here are a few simple tips meant to make your next attempt successful.

For more information about Québec Tobacco-Free Week head to http://mondesansfumee.ca/en.