Quit Now with BC's Smoking Cessation Program
There are many reasons that you may want to quit smoking. Whether you are worried about your own health, or the health of those around you, or perhaps tobacco use is putting a strain on your wallet. Whatever the reason is, it is always a good time to quit. If you have not considered quitting smoking, there are many reasons that you should consider it. There are many proven risks associated with smoking and quitting can not only add years to your life, but also lets you take back control of your health.
Tobacco Stats
9 in 10
Cases of lung cancer are from tobacco smoke
1 in 2
Cigarette smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease
4x
Higher risk of stroke in tobacco smokers
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Weakened Immune System
Shortness of Breath and Difficulty Breathing
Fatigue, difficulty maintaining muscle mass
What are the Health Risks of Smoking?
Tobacco uses harms nearly every part of your body and even those around you.
Long Term Health Risks
Higher risk of heart and lung disease
Higher risk of gastrointestinal illness such as Crohn’s disease
Higher risk of many kinds of cancer
Increased risk to baby’s health in pregnant women
Ear infections, breathing problems, and weakened immune systems
Developmental and respiratory issues in children
Sudden infant death syndrome
Heart disease and lung cancer
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke contains over 4000 chemicals and can affects those around you.
BC Smoking Cessation Program
The BC Lung Association and the Government of British Columbia have teamed up to deliver the BC Smoking Cessation Program to help British Columbians quit by assisting with the cost of smoking cessation aids.
If you are an eligible resident, the BC Smoking Cessation Program can:
- Cover 100% of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products
- Cover some of the cost of specific smoking cessation prescription medications
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works by giving you the addictive component of smoking – nicotine – but without the other harmful chemicals in tobacco. These are meant to help relieve the physical symptoms of withdrawal so that you can focus on the mental and emotional aspects of quitting.
NRT products that are covered by the BC Smoking Cessation Program include;
- Nicorette®
- Nicoderm®
Smoking Cessation Prescription Medications
Unlike Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), smoking cessation prescription medications do not contain nicotine. These medications manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms by affecting how nicotine interacts with your brain and reduces the urge to smoke.
Smoking cessation medications that are covered by the BC Smoking Cessation Program include;
- Zyban®
- Champix®
- Apo-Varenicline
- Teva-Varenicline
Sources:
BC Smoking Cessation Program,
HealthLink BC,
QuitNow
Quit Today
Speak to your health care provider about smoking cessation and any use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products or Smoking Cessation Prescription Drugs. Whether you choose to use NRT or prescription medication, Oval Integrative Pharmacy is here to assist you,
contact us for more information on our smoking cessation services.
Oval Integrative Pharmacy
(Located inside LifeMark Sport Medicine)
Unit 106 – 6111 River Rd
Richmond, BC, V7C 0A2
Parking is available inside Richmond Olympic Oval at a rate of $2.75 per hour.
We are near end of Row D in the parkade.
More directions can be found here.
Click this for information on parking credit rebate.