ANNOUNCING: The buddy system!

Every year, in Niagara, we hear that our Health Agencies are actively promoting programs to reduce

The Letterhead of the Nunavut Department of Health..."BUILDING NUNAVUT TOGETHER"

the number of smokers. In health care and in the xray department, in particular, we have always seen the effects of long term tobacco use. The costs of increased health care in smokers is now well documented, both in dollars and in people. Each year, we lose loved ones to this deadly habit. Ironically, in this day of active lifestyles and healthy choices, there has been some resurgence in tobacco use especially within certain genders and age groups.

In Niagara, we have had major changes with respect to smoking in vehicles carrying children, smoking in parks and playgrounds, and maintaining distance from access points to buildings.  Schools have become  a focus for the continuing battle of the non-smoking example, banning smoking on school sites. It’s a relatively new phenom, since its only 46 years ago, our Grade 13 class fought for a seniors lounge…and when it was granted, allowed smoking within its confine. My how times have changed.

The GN (Government of Nunavut) LOGO

As well, in the sixties, riding the regular St. Catharines Transit buses, to high school each day, you really didn’t need to be a smoker since there was only about a foot of clean air towards the floor of each bus. It was especially bad in winter when all the windows were closed up. In spite of that, I never got started…and, therefore, it  was very easy for me to quit...compared to many others. I applaud their perserverance.

So today we got an email, from the GN, as they say here (Government of Nunavut), Department of Health. Seven years ago when I was here, you couldn’t help but notice the number of smokers that abounded. Many times during the day, many workers in our building would travel outside for their “nic fit”. Most of them were the support staff and, not so much, the health care professionals. This time around, there are changes in the number and frequency of those hanging out on the back porch. The numbers are down…thankfully. In an effect to further reduce that number and the negative resulting health effects and costs to the health care system, the GN was announcing up to $40,000 in prizes for their upcoming March campaign.

When I arrived on Feb 12^th, the Health Centre vehicle that picked my up at the airport, had a decal posted. I notice it right away as it was on the side where we stowed my gear. Since my arrival, I’ve made mental notes and realize that change on many fronts is occurring and this is just another in a

Health Centre vehicle banner

long line. This new memo today says:

The “Tobacco Has No Place Here” campaign was started to help Nunavummiut (residents of Nunavut Territory) understand the negative health effects of tobacco on our communities, people and land,” said Paul Okalik, Minister of Health. “In Nunavut we know all too well the devastating health effects of tobacco use. I support and encourage fellow Nunavummiut to come together and sign up to quit tobacco this March.”

Smokers outside the Health Centre at -30C

The contest is a two-person challenge, with a “quit buddy” supporting a “tobacco user” on their month-long journey to quit tobacco. Contestants can make an appointment at their community health centre ….”

The deadline to enter the contest is coming this Saturday, February 28, 2015...so you still have some time. People can sign up online at www.nuquits.ca or at your local health centre.

The regular band of smokers here at the Kivalliq Health Centre has been reduced since my previous visit in 2008 and they have been moved further away from the entrances. Perhaps, further reductions will take place over the next few weeks.

Hey, prizes totaling 40 grand...but, just before you decide to go online and sign up…you have to be a NUNAVUT RESIDENT.

...and, before you do, though, get out your Woolies!!!!