Cessation
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things anyone can do for their health. While the earlier an individual quits the better, quitting smoking is beneficial at any age and no matter how long someone has been smoking.
The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately:
- After 1 hour - Blood pressure begins to drop, and circulation may start to improve
- After 12 hours - Carbon monoxide level returns to normal and oxygen levels increase
- After 1 day – Risk of heart attack begins to decrease
- After 1 month – Lung function improves; coughing and shortness of breath is reduced
Longer-term benefits of quitting include:
- Reduced risk of many poor health outcomes, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer
- Improved health status and quality of life
- Increased life expectancy
- Protection for others from risks associated with secondhand smoke
- Reduced financial burden for those who smoke, healthcare systems, and society
- PEI Smoking Cessation Program
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Quit smoking programs are among the most cost-effective medical interventions available today. A combination of counselling and pharmacotherapy (i.e., nicotine replacement therapy and cessation medications) has proven to almost triple the odds of quitting successfully.
In December 2019, the PEI Chief Public Health Office launched a publicly-funded universal smoking cessation program as part of its comprehensive approach to tobacco control.
The PEI Smoking Cessation Program supports PEI residents who wish to stop smoking or using other tobacco products by: covering 100% of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products (i.e., nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, and inhaler) and specific smoking cessation prescription medications.
If you smoke or use other tobacco products and are looking to quit – the Smoking Cessation Program is here to help you.
- Workplace Wellness
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In 2022, the PEI Smoking Cessation Program launched a new quit smoking resource: Working Together, Quitting Together: A Workplace Guide for Smoking Cessation.
This resource guides individuals through a 12-week quit journey of learning and self-reflection. Each week builds on the ideas and activities of previous weeks. By the end, individuals have a better understanding of the role smoking plays in their life, the tools available to help them quit, and the supports they might need to stay smoke-free in the future.
The guide is designed to be used alone, or as part of a facilitated, peer-led workplace wellness program.
In 2022, the PEI Smoking Cessation Program launched a new quit smoking resource: Working Together, Quitting Together: A Workplace Guide for Smoking Cessation.
This resource guides individuals through a 12-week quit journey of learning and self-reflection. Each week builds on the ideas and activities of previous weeks. By the end, individuals have a better understanding of the role smoking plays in their life, the tools available to help them quit, and the supports they might need to stay smoke-free in the future.
The guide is designed to be used alone, or as part of a facilitated, peer-led workplace wellness program.