Young adults in Chatham-Kent are gearing up to better their health for a chance to win $2,500 in the annual wouldurather… contest.
Young adults between the ages of 18-29, or those currently attending a post-secondary school, can pledge to quit smoking, reduce their smoking, or stay smoke-free as part of the contest hosted by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and Leave The Pack Behind.
In Ontario, young adults currently have the highest smoking rates. Here in Chatham-Kent, that is several points higher than the provincial average at 27.5% for young adults aged 18-24. The wouldurather… contest is a unique way of encouraging young adults to stop using tobacco. Recent research shows that about 20% of students who participate in the wouldurather… contest successfully quit smoking and stay smoke-free.
This contest is effective because it is tailored to young adults who smoke daily or socially. It offers smokers three different ways to change their smoking. They can quit smoking all together; they can cut their smoking in half; and for those who only “smoke on the weekend,” there’s a category for them too.
Non-smokers can also enter the contest by pledging to remain smoke-free. Besides the chance to win great prizes, all contestants receive motivational emails and support from a buddy. They also have the option of receiving nicotine replacement therapy, like the patch or gum, for free as a part of the contest.
To participate in the six-week long contest, Ontario post-secondary students or young adults between the ages of 18-29 can sign up at www.wouldurather.ca from Dec. 1 until Jan. 26. Two $2,500 grand prizes are awarded to two lucky contestants who quit smoking. Other prizes include: cash, tuition waivers, and gift cards to community and campus retailers.
Leave The Pack Behind is an age-tailored tobacco control initiative offered year-round in Ontario.
For more information contact Jeff Moco, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, 519-352-7270 ext. 2436
