National Non-Smoking Week wraps up in the Sault

Saturday marks the end of National Non-Smoking Week.

Health officials in the Sault Ste. Marie area are reminding people that there is never a bad time to quit smoking.

Health experts said there has been a trend in the right direction in recent years – with fewer people now smoking cigarettes.

According to Ontario Health’s more recent statistics, approximately 10 per cent of the province still smokes.

However, in the Algoma region, that number is much higher – about 16 per cent.

According to Health Canada, 46,000 people in the country die every year due to tobacco-related diseases.

In Algoma, the local public health authority said 250 people die and 1,000 are hospitalized because of tobacco addiction annually – with about 1,500 related emergency department visits each year.

Officials with the Algoma Public Health (APH) said they have been putting out messaging all week encouraging people to “not quit quitting” and are explaining the health benefits.

"20 minutes after having your last cigarette your breathing improves, your blood pressure is reduced,” said Hilary Cutler, the health unit’s manager of community wellness.

“72 hours after your last cigarette cravings are lessened. Up to one year after quitting smoking your risk of heart disease is reduced by 50 per cent. At five years smoke free your risk of stroke is also cut in half."

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APH representatives said most people need multiple attempts to give up smoking for good.

For more resources for quiting smoking, go to APH's website or visit their social media page.