Getting "in motion" can help you quit!

The World Health Organization has cited that smoking, physical inactivity and improper nutrition are leading risk factors for the development of chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease.

Here’s some good news! Getting active and “in motion” can help you quit smoking for good. And there’s no better time to quit smoking and get active.

January 15th to 21st is National Non-Smoking Week

The goals of National Non-Smoking Week are:

• Educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking;
• Prevent non-smokers from starting to smoke;
• Help and encourage smokers to quit;
• Promote the right of non-smokers to breathe clean air unpolluted by tobacco smoke;
• Work towards the goal of a tobacco-free Canada.

Living smoke-free, good nutrition and regular participation in physical activity can help all Winnipeggers lead healthier lives. The Winnipeg in motion partners – City of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority - want to support Winnipeggers as they strive to improve their health.

Getting “in motion” has benefits for everyone, nonsmokers, those who are quitting and smokers too! So even if you’re not ready to quit smoking, consider getting “in motion” every day. It’ll be good for your health.

If you are looking to quit, getting “in motion” for 30-60 minutes a day can help! Current research recommends that smokers who are quitting can add physical activity to their daily routine to help avoid the weight gain that is often associated with smoking cessation.¹ Regular physical activity can also help improve mental health as active “quitters” report reduced stress, depression, and restlessness, as well as improved concentration and sleep patterns.² Also, physical activity can be used as an effective replacement therapy strategy for smokers who are trying to quit and change their routine for the better.³

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking and would like physical activity ideas to assist you, check out www.winnipeginmotion.ca. You may wish to start with the Winnipeg in motion walking workout.

If you need more information, free help is available from the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333. Also visit www.gosmokefree.ca for information to help you quit or www.nnsw.ca for more information on National Non-smoking Week.

Get “in motion” today. It’s good for your health!