by Karina Hunter

Pictured is Lloyd Hunter White, Manitouwadge winner of TBDHU’s
“Drive away from tobacco & don’t look back!” challenge, as Public Health Nurse Jackie Jung presents him with Future Shop gift cards totaling $100 provided by Take Heart Manitouwadge.

Pictured is Lloyd Hunter White, Manitouwadge winner of TBDHU’s “Drive away from tobacco & don’t look back!” challenge, as Public Health Nurse Jackie Jung presents him with Future Shop gift cards totaling $100 provided by Take Heart Manitouwadge.

During the month of November Thunder Bay district teens, 14 – 18 yrs of age, were challenged by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) to ‘take control’ and quit using tobacco products for an opportunity to win 2 full driving school packages donated by Gerry Picard, owner of The Driving School in Thunder Bay. 

Although the youth smoking rate for Northwestern Ontario has continued to decline over the years, there is still a large number of youth becoming addicted to smoking and spit tobacco (moist snuff). Those having already chosen a tobacco free lifestyle were also eligible to enter; “These youth are the majority and need to be rewarded for this decision,” said Jung. There is no specific best method identified for youth to quit but research shows that incentives for quitting appeal to youth.   

The contest requirement that a buddy, 18 years or older, register with participants also presented parents with an opportunity to discuss the issue of tobacco use with their teens. Parents were encouraged to talk to their children about the harmful effects and addictive nature of tobacco that they might refuse to be willing targets for the tobacco industry. 

Submitted to The Echo, 12.06.09