Sunrise Health Region is launching its "Respect the Boundaries" tobacco free initiative. Use of all tobacco products will be prohibited in health facilities, on grounds and in parking lots effective Monday, July 1, 2013. "Our vision is working together for healthy people in healthy communities," said President and CEO Suann Laurent. "Research indicates that smoking and tobacco products have many negative impacts on health and we are committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle for everyone in our region." Clients, visitors and staff will be required to leave health region property to use tobacco products. Inpatients will be required to sign a waiver before leaving the property, should they choose to continue using tobacco products while in the care of a health facility. Previous exceptions for long-term care residents will continue to apply. Hospital inpatients will have the opportunity to access tobacco cessation products during their stay in a Sunrise Health Region facility. Education and options will be provided at the time of admission. A variety of supports are available for individuals who wish to quit tobacco products, including:
Discuss Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options with your physician or pharmacist
Contact Smokers Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or Saskatchewan Healthline at 811
Health benefit plans often have counseling and tobacco cessation supports
Visit www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca, www.breakitoff.ca, www.makeapact.ca, www.cancer.ca for extensive information on quitting tobacco products
"Sunrise Health Region has one of the highest averages of smoking rate in the province at 21.7%, that's higher than the Canadian average of 19.9%," said Medical Health Officer Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu. "It is imperative that we do all we can to educate and assist residents in our region in tobacco cessation and reduction to protect their health." Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in Canada.
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