Page 3 - Issue 35 - Summer 2023 - Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap Issue 35 | Summer 2023

Health & Wellness

If you are even considering smoking, you should really be proud of yourself. Admitting that you want to stop and
committing yourself to the process is a HUGE step on your journey to a smoke free life. But just remember that
not all smoking cessation advice is created equal.

About 125 Canadians die every day of smoking
realted illness, that is more than the total of all deaths
due to alcohol, opiods, suicides, murders, and traffic
collisons.

As many of us know, smoking causes serious health
conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke,
lung diseases, diabetes, COPD, and more.

Unfortunately, despite many people's desire to be
smoke free, it is incredibly difficult to quit. Blame
nicotine, a particularly addictive drug that is found in
tobacco products.
The good news is that it is POSSIBLE to quit, and the sooner you do, the better. Take courage from the fact that
since 2002 the number of former smokers has outgrown the number of current smokers.

BEST WAYS TO QUIT SMOKING:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - in the form of chewing gum, lozenges, inhalers, nasal sprays, and
nicotine patches — helps you quit smoking by gradually providing your body with smaller doses of nicotine over
time, while sparing you from the toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke. When used in conjunction with a
behavioural program, NRT has been found to help people quit. Moreover, using two NRT’s together, such as the
patch and gum or the patch and lozenges, is more likely to help you quit successfully than just using one,
according to the CDC.

Prescription Medications - There are two drugs that Health Canada approves, Champix and Bupropion.
Champix mimics some of the effects nicotine has on your brain, which reduces your urge to smoke and some of
the withdrawal symptoms, and it also decreases the enjoyment you get from the nicotine in cigarettes.
Bupropion, meanwhile, reduces cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. While the drugs aren't
addictive, they do have some potential side effects that you would need to discuss with your doctor before
taking these medications.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - Recently approved by Health Canada, this noninvasive treatment
generates electromagnetic pulses that stimulate neurons in parts of the brain associated with addiction. In
many studies, Deep TMS has been found to be an effective smoking cessation treatment.

WORST WAYS TO QUIT SMOKING:
Some of the worst include Hypnotherapy, Low Level Laser Therapy, Herbs and dietary supplements. The
reason being is that there is not enough evidence to support that they work as an effective aid to help you quit
smoking.

The good news is, if you want to quit, there are a few great options. Please feel free to reach out the HR
Department if you’d like more information or support in that journey.