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Smoking and Active Living

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Motivational Mondays

Hi there! It’s Claudia back again with a new blog post this week about goal-setting and putting our health first.

Did you know?

Studies have shown that Monday is the healthiest day of the week.

Many people dread the thought of Monday, because they have to wake up early to go to work or school. However, it’s been proven that on Mondays, many individuals decide to take a fresh, positive approach to their week. Maybe you’re a smoker yourself and you want to give quitting a shot. What better day to do it than on a Monday? If you’ve already quit, use Monday as a day to reward yourself for your accomplishment. Smoking again? That’s okay! Monday is the perfect day to try again. If you don’t smoke at all, keep it up and reward yourself as well!

I am happy to say that over at the Glendon Campus, Shannon and I host booth displays and go on walkabouts on Mondays and Tuesdays. When students come back to school after their weekend, we get to educate them about smoking cessation and answer any questions they might have about health the best we can. We have also found that students are rather enthusiastic on campus to talk about health at the beginning of the week when we interact with them. This is a plus for our incentive!

With that said, Leave the Pack Behind is currently halfway into its last campaign, Don’t Cave to the Crave. To help smokers quit smoking and to help Glendon students live a healthy lifestyle, we set up a trail mix station where students can grab some free trail mix. It went well! Here is a snapshot of our booth from Monday, February 23rd:

Remember that it’s never too late to give quitting smoking another shot - or to take charge of your health! Make Monday the day you feel optimistic and set healthy goals during the week, like going to the gym, exercising, and eating healthy.

You can always visit the Appletree Clinic at the Keele Campus for free Nicotine Replacement Therapies or visit our website for more information at www.leavethepackbehind.org. Please also check out York U’s Health Education & Promotion website at www.healthed.scld.yorku.ca for all things health!

Thanks for reading.

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Super Exciting News!

Hey there awesome people, LTPB is back with another blog! Today I am filling you in on recent great news as well as a few tips!

I was thrilled to stumble upon a recent national survey that found that the smoking rate among Canadians is at an all-time low, at 15 per cent of the population. The 2013 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey found 11 per cent reported smoking daily, while four per cent say they use tobacco only occasionally.

Are you still trying to kick the habit? Well...What are you waiting for? There are many different methods to quit, here are a few:

 Cold–turkey: this is when you stop smoking completely immediately.  This method can be very effective for some however others might find it to be too much of a shock on their body!

Using NRT’s (nicotine replacement therapies): these are meant to slowly wean a person off of nicotine. Some people think NRT’s are addictive when in fact that is just a myth! Examples are: thrive gum or the patch! Did you know that you can order an 8 week supply of NRT’s off the LTPB website for FREE!

By cutting back (gradual): this can be very effective! Try reducing your smoking by 50% and gradually make your way down to a smoke free lifestyle!

With Medications (prescriptions): Bupropion also known as Zyban helps reduce nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke. There is also Varenicline which is also known as Chantix it has very similar affects as Zyban. See your doctor to see if this is a good fit for you!  

Using online support and resources: LTPB has some awesome quit books on their website that can help you put a quitting plan in place as well fill you in on what to expect when you do quit: https://www.leavethepackbehind.org/quitting/#story_page_107 ...Also check out http://www.smokershelpline.ca/ where you can sign up to receive supportive and encouraging text messages or you can chat on the phone with a professional for support through your quitting journey (all for free yippeeee).

Also, you can certainly use a combination of methods for an even higher chance of success! If you would like to meet with a professional to discuss the best options for you personally check out: Appletree Clinic on the York University Keele Campus give them a call @ 647-722-2370

Check out these links:

http://healthed.scld.yorku.ca/

https://www.leavethepackbehind.org/quitting/#story_page_107

http://www.york-lanes.ca/services?action=1&id=18

https://www.facebook.com/LeaveThePackBehind

References:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/02/03/15-of-canadians-report-smoking-tobacco-lowest-rate-ever-survey.html

http://www.smokershelpline.ca/

http://smokefree.gov/explore-medications

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Don't Cave to the Crave

Hey York U!! 

Did you know the number ONE reason quitters relapse and current smokers escalate their tobacco consumption is because of stress? Many of you have decided to quit or cut down smoking by signing up for our wouldurather contest and might be worrying about the difficulty in doing so. Lucky for you, the LTPB team wants to help you be successful in this lifestyle change! Read below to learn more about our campaign Don’t Cave to the Crave! 

Don’t Cave to the Crave aims to support wouldurather contestants from relapsing! We know that school and life can be stressful sometimes, but there are ways to cope. Don’t Cave to theCrave wants to inform students about healthy ways to deal with stress to prevent the escalation and relapse of tobacco use. Our goal is to increase the number of smokers who remain smoke-free in addition to reducing the number of students who escalate their tobacco use during college/university.

We want to encourage smokers and recent quitters to respond to cravings in positive ways. Although there are many positive ways to respond to cravings, we focus on eating healthy, engaging in physical activity, and incorporating relaxation techniques into your day. We encourage you to come up with a list of your own ways to cope with stress! Also, look out for the LTPB team, we'll have some ideas to share :)

Like us on Facebook, check out LTPB’s website OR for more information on health related topics check out Health Education & Promotion @ York!

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More Formaldehyde found in E-Cigarettes

Hello again all YOU LTPB readers! It is my pleasure to inform you that there has been a new study recently conducted on e-cigarettes revealing that they DO in fact produce more formaldehyde than normal tobacco cigarettes. Surprised? Well so am I.

Let's first track all the way back to November 13, 2014, when I wrote a very interesting blog titled, "E-Cigarettes: Pros and Cons". If you haven't read it yet, feel free to click on the title and check it out. Well, just to recap what we've learned, e-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigs, are hand-held, battery-powered devices that are designed to deliver nicotine. As a matter of fact, "16% of Canadian older youth and young adults (16-30 years) have tried e-cigarettes." 

A recent study from The New England Journal of Medicine discovered that e-cigs produced 2.5 times as much formaldehyde compared to traditional tobacco cigarettes. However, this is the case only if e-cigarette users vape three milliliters of liquid at a high voltage. This new study has raised questions and further debate on the safety of electronic cigarettes.    

What is Formaldehyde? 

For those of you who do not know what formaldehyde is, it is a colorless gas found in almost everything including cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor.  It is also known for its systematic name, methanol. When the propylene glycol and glycerol inside the cartridge of the e-cigarette are heated together to form vapor formaldehyde is then produced.  

The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has even stated that formaldehyde can cause leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer, which affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose. 

James F. Pankow, a professor of chemistry and engineering at Portland State University in Oregon believes that no physical effects can be seen by e-cigarette users until ten to fifteen years down the road. That is why individuals commonly assume that their quitting method of using e-cigs is a safe alternative. These individuals are generally e-cigarette smokers for only about a year or so. Thus, no physical effects are realized.

There is no doubt that most experts believe that e-cigarettes are less toxic than combustible cigarettes but there is yet to be evidence showing that e-cigarettes are safe for short-term AND long-term use.     

Keep in mind the study discussed above is not conclusive, BUT it can definitely make someone think twice before deciding which method to choose from to quit smoking regular cigarettes.  

What do YOU think?

Are electronic cigarettes a healthy solution to Leave the Pack Behind? Should e-cigarettes be regulated just like traditional combustible cigarettes? We want to hear Your thoughts! What is your opinion?

Have any further questions? Go to our "Ask me Anything" page.

Want more information? No problem!

Like us on Facebook, check out LTPB's website OR for more information on health related topics check out Health Education & Promotion @ York!

Reference: https://www.leavethepackbehind.org/tobacco-info/#story_page_216 

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Every End is a New Beginning

Every year millions of people around the world join in unison to celebrate the forthcoming of the New Year. It brings promise of a new beginning, a fresh start where new adventures and opportunities lay ahead. It almost feels as if seven billion new lives are born each year on the 1st of January as we all strive to change ourselves in one form or another.

Do the phrases.. “save more money”, “get into shape”, “reconnect with loved ones”, “travel the world”, “learn a new language”, “focus on my health”, “quit smoking”, etc.. sound familiar? We all make New Year’s resolutions but how often do we actually follow through with them? By now, over 60% of people have already given up their New Year’s resolution.

Well if your resolution was to QUIT SMOKING, this year you will have an added incentive to quit. Along with taking care of your present and future health, by entering the WOULD U RATHER contest you will be entered into a draw to WIN up to $2500!!! Not only will you save money by forgoing the $10 pack of cigarettes, you will also have a chance to win a semester worth of tuition!!! Or maybe add it to the new car you’ve been eyeing, the getaway you’ve been dreaming of.. whatever tickles your fancy!

The contest has 4 different categories, and anyone (smokers, non-smoker, ex-smoker is eligible to enter).  1. Quit For Good -Open to daily smokers  -Must completely abstain from smoking for 6 weeks  -GRAND PRIZE: $2500

2. Keep The Count  -Open to daily smokers -Must reduce tobacco consumption by 50%  -GRAND PRIZE: $1000

3. Party Without The Smoke -Open to daily/non-daily smokers  -Must not smoke tobacco, marijuana, shisha when drinking alcohol  -GRAND PRIZE: $750  4. Don’t Start & Win  -Open to non-smokers/ex-smokers  -Must continue to be smoke free for the duration of the contest  -GRAND PRIZE: $250 

To go along with the Provincial Grand Prizes, the LTPB team will also have YorkU campus specific prizes.

1. $500 tuition voucher to YorkU 2. 3 month membership to GoodLife 3. $50 Superstore Gift Card w/ gift basket 4. Blue Jays/Raptors gear 5. YorkU Bookstore gift card

Registration for the contest officially closes January 25th, 2015. The duration of the contest is from January 26th- March 9th, 2015.

To register for the contest visit the official contest page @ www.wouldurather.ca. You can also come by our tabling booth set up in Vari Hall/ Central Square during the National Non-Smoking Week (Jan 19th- 23rd) or drop by the SCLD office at Ross Building, S172 to inquire about contacting one of the LTPB representatives for more info.

Are you ready to finally fulfill your New Year’s resolution? If so, let us help on along the way!

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10 Ways to Deal with Nicotine Withdrawal

Hey yall, my name is Shannon and I am a member of the Glendon LTPB team. I am here today to give you all ten awesome tips on how to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. First off, not everyone experiences withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking; however those who have know it can be brutal. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be strongest within the first few days of quitting. As time goes by the withdrawal symptoms do lessen. Hang in there and try using these tips!

1. Drink water - lots of it! Have healthy snacks available when   hunger pangs strike (this can also help with keeping that unwanted weight off).

  2. Remember why you’re quitting! Have your goals in a visible place whether it is on your fridge, in your agenda or on your wall. It is most effective if you have your goals in multiple places!

  3.Count on friends and family for their support! Announcing plans to quit is a proven strategy for successful quitting

        4.  Change your routines and keep busy.

  5.Hit the gym! This can help release tension and stress. Also, when you quit   your metabolism slows down; working out can help keep off that unwanted weight!

  6.Order a free supply of NRT’s (nicotine replacement therapies)right to your door from www.leavethepackbehind.org

  7. There’s an app for that? Heck ya! Download the Crush the Crave free app to help you along your journey towards a smoke-free life.

  8.Check out this helpful free hotline which you can access by text, calling or online. Professionals give you personalized tips on how to stay smoke free and answer other questions you may have! http://www.smokershelpline.ca/

  9.Plan how to deal with places and people that may trigger you to smoke. For example, do you usually smoke on your way to the bus stop? How about you pop a piece of gum and put in your ear buds instead.

  10. Deep breathing can work miracles! Put on some calming music and just breathe.

Thanks for reading folks!

Here are two awesome links to get more info about Health Ed and LTPB

http://healthed.scld.yorku.ca/

https://www.leavethepackbehind.org/

Like us:

https://www.facebook.com/LeaveThePackBehind

https://www.facebook.com/HealthEdYU

   Stay tuned for another blog!!

References:

https://www.leavethepackbehind.org/quitting/#story_page_107

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Tobacco Topic Time!

Hey there! This is Claudia from the LTPB Glendon team and I am back again with a blog that is sure to keep you interested!

This week’s topic is on smokeless tobacco. Come again? If you have no idea what this is made up of, that’s fine! Let me fill you in on some questions and answers to this type of tobacco.

What parts are there to smokeless tobacco?

Smokeless tobacco exists in two main forms. The one form is the one many are familiar with: chewing tobacco. The other is called snuff/snus.

What is chewing tobacco?

Chewing tobacco is shredded, twisted, or loose leaf tobacco which is sold on its own or in pouches. Regarding its use, chewing tobacco is placed in the mouth, between the cheek and the lower lip, and chewed occasionally. As a result, the tobacco juice and saliva can be spit out or swallowed.

  You had me at chewing tobacco. But what is snuff/snus???

Snuff/snus is a type of fine-grain tobacco that comes in tins or pouches, which look like tea bags. Like chewing tobacco, snuff can be placed between the gum and cheek or lower lip, while snus is often placed between the gum and upper lip. Unlike chewing tobacco, snuff/snus does not need to be spit out.

One thing to keep in mind: smokeless tobacco does not need to burn to be consumed. Instead of inhaling it, tobacco and nicotine enter the body and into the bloodstream through the tissues and linings of the mouth.

    Next up are some good ol’ pros and cons to keep you informed!

PROS

Because there is no smoke, there are no chemicals and tar lighting up.

There may be a lower risk of cardiovascular and lung cancer, as well as diseases associated with smokeless tobacco use than regular cigarette use.

It comes in small tins with attractive-looking packaging and fun, fruity flavours, which can make smokeless tobacco more appealing.

  CONS

Although there are no chemicals and tar from lighting up, smokeless tobacco still contains harsh chemicals and can cause cancer.

Smokeless tobacco has been linked with different forms of cancer, including mouth cancer, throat cancer, pancreatic cancer, and heart diseases. The risk of developing these cancers and diseases is even higher if you consume smokeless tobacco and also smoke regular cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco still contains nicotine and it can be just as addictive as smoking regular cigarettes!

Smokeless tobacco is not a proven or effective strategy for smoking cessation. However, its use still may lead to cigarette smoking.

  Above all, don’t be misled by its name. Smokeless tobacco does not mean harmless tobacco!

Now I will share with you a quick question I got from a student while on a walkabout on campus.

I use chewing tobacco. Can I still register in the Would U Rather contest?

The answer is yes! You definitely can in any one of the top 3 categories depending how often you use it: Quit For Good, Keep the Count, or Party Without the Smoke. Same goes for snuff/snus.

Remember that registration for the Would U Rather contest starts December 1st! That’s 10 days from now! Visit our campaign’s website for more details at wouldurather.ca or refer to our previous blog post.

That’s it from me this week! Take it easy.