AHS celebrates National Non-Smoking Week

Week an important time to learn more about tobacco health risks

NORTH ZONE — January 21-27 is National Non-Smoking Week, and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with communities throughout the North Zone to raise awareness of the spectrum of tobacco cessation services available through AlbertaQuits.

Reducing and stopping tobacco use has multiple health benefits for all Albertans. People who quit substantially reduce their risk of heart disease, lung cancer, chronic lung disease and other tobacco related illnesses. AHS works with communities and partnering organizations to improve the health of Albertans by reducing tobacco use throughout the province by offering various programs and services through AlbertaQuits. Services include telephone counselling, free web-based cessation services, texting services, and group programing (QuitCore). All services are free and confidential.

Information displays will be set up at the following locations:

• High Prairie
  High Prairie Health Complex, 5101 38 St., one on ‘Main Street’ inside the facility and one at Public Health Services on the second floor.
• Peace River
  Peace River Community Health Centre, 10101 68 St.
• Fort McMurray
  Community Health Services, 113 Thickwood Blvd.
• Grande Prairie
  Public Health Centre, 10320 99 St.

Learn more about tobacco cessation and reduction by calling the AlbertaQuits Helpine at 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) toll-free or visiting AlbertaQuits online at albertaquits.ca.

An annual event across Canada for more than 30 years, National Non-Smoking Week aims to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco, in all its forms, as it provides education on the resources and support services available for those who wish to reduce or quit tobacco use.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.