Moving and Choosing Tobacco Free

Tobacco Free

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada including Medicine Hat, Brooks, and Southeastern Alberta.  Enjoy fun times and a lifetime of good health by staying smoke free!  This webpage provides sound and reliable information for children, teenagers, adults, and families.  For more information on quitting smoking talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
Barb Tarbox Story

Barb Tarbox was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in September 2002 after smoking since Grade 7. She died May 18, 2003 after speaking to more than 50,000 students about the dangers of smoking.

This 16-minute video captures the spirit of Barb's presentations and the passion that characterized the last months of her life. The video was distributed to Alberta schools in September 2003 in cooperation with Alberta Learning...View Video
 
Tobacco: Behind the Smoke

Have you ever wondered about how the chemicals in tobacco smoke are formed, and how these chemicals impact human health? By watching this animation series, you will learn about: How tobacco plants, like all plants, are composed of chemicals; What happens when tobacco burns, including how toxic chemicals are formed; and, The negative effects these toxic chemicals can have on human health.

More reading:
Tobacco: Behind the Smoke
 
Success Stories

There are many documented success stories, including the ones here:

More reading:
Success Stories
 
Keep Your Kids Smoke-free

As children grow, their view of the world changes. As these changes occur, children pass through stages in their awareness and use of tobacco. A variety of factors can lead to tobacco use and to regular smoking among youth. By being aware of the potential risk factors for tobacco use, you can be better prepared to support healthy tobacco-free choices for your children.

More reading: 
Keep Your Kids Smoke-free
 
Quit Now

You may find quitting easier than you expected, or you may find you need all the support you can get. Help is available toll-free by phone and online. The Health Canada resources below will guide you through the quitting process, one step at a time, to achieve the success you want.

On the Road to Quitting - Use this proven program to find out more about your smoking habits and explore your quitting options.

Quit 4 Life - This 4-step program is designed to help Canadians aged 14 to 19 quit smoking.