Tobacco

Tobacco use is seriously harming the health and wellbeing of Nunavut families and communities. Over half of Nunavummiut smoke, which is causing lung cancer rates that are several times the national average. Tobacco use also leads to heart disease and stroke, and contributes to the spread of tuberculosis (TB). There are few families in Nunavut who have not been touched by the harm caused by tobacco.

The good news is that Nunavummiut can heal from smoking. People who quit smoking reduce their odds of getting sick or dying from smoking almost immediately. Youth who remain smoke-free are much less likely to become smokers later in life. Children and infants who are not exposed to second-hand smoke are less likely to have ear infections and breathing problems. Going smoke-free benefits individuals, families and communities.

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to promoting smoke-free communities and supporting people who make the decision to go smoke-free. The Department is very active in the area of tobacco prevention, cessation, and reduction. Tobacco use reduction has been prioritized as one of eight goals in the Nunavut Public Health Strategy. The Department is committed to working with communities to prevent tobacco use and promote smoke-free living.

Here are some things the Government of Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services is doing to work towards a smoke-free future:

• Call out for personal stories
• Nunavut Quitline: 1-866-368-7848 (website coming soon)
• Tobacco Has No Place Here campaign (website coming soon)
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) available through non-insured health benefits
• Training and support for community health care professionals in smoking cessation
• Smoke Screening video initiative in schools across the territory
• Development of a Nunavut Tobacco Reduction Framework for Action

• Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Quitting smoking or staying smoke-free is the best way to prevent lung cancer
• Tobacco use also contributes to the spread of tuberculosis (TB)
• Within 24 hours of going smoke-free, a person’s chances of sudden heart attack decreases significantly
• Reducing the rate of lung cancer would make the greatest contribution to gains in life expectancy in Canadian Inuit

• Call the Nunavut Quitline at 1-866-368-7848
• Go to your health center, talk to your Community Health Representative (CHR), and ask your doctor on how to become smoke-free
• Contact Health and Social Services
• Check out the Inuit Tobacco-Free Network (http://www.naho.ca/itn/whatsNew.php)