It Is National Non Smoking Week
By 250 News
Sunday, January 18, 2009 06:49 AM
Prince George, B.C.- Today marks the start of National Non Smoking Week.
Locally it was kicked off on Friday night with the “Hockey Yes, Tobacco No” campaign at the Cougars game. The initiative, in its 4th year, is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of tobacco-free sports and influence youth behaviour through positive role models such as former Captain Dana Tyrell #16 and Parker Stanfield #26 from the Prince George Cougars. Tobacco use, including spit, will hinder performance of young athletes, including fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased physical performance. Being tobacco free gives the Prince George Cougars the edge over their opponents.
“Eliminating the use of tobacco will prevent 30% of cancer deaths. More than a third of cancer cases are preventable when physical activity is combined with a healthy diet and appropriate body weight,” says Alexa Robertson, Prevention Volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. “Hockey Yes-Tobacco No is a fun, collaborative approach to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.”
“Prevention is a big part of Northern Health’s strategy to reduce tobacco use in the region, which is the single highest cause of preventable illness and death across Northern BC,” said Laura Johnston, Tobacco Reduction Coordinator for NH. “All of us at Northern Health appreciate these kinds of partnerships to link healthy activities like hockey with a tobacco prevention message.”
“The Prince George Cougars are proud to work with Northern Health and the Canadian Cancer Society to promote tobacco free sports in our community,” said Prince George Cougars Vice President Brandi Brodsky. “Our players value the ability this program gives them in connecting with youth to reduce tobacco use in the north.”
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Posted by: meinbcbud on January 18 2009 12:52 PM