Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death in Canada and in the world. Second-hand smoke is harmful to all those exposed to it. We can all help women choose to be tobacco-free. First and foremost, we can give women non-judgmental support in their efforts to quit smoking. We can take a women-centered approach in our prevention and cessation programs.
Women deserve to have healthy bodies they feel good about.
In a society that promotes less than normal weights, many women have the added, though often unfounded, fear of weight gain when they give up smoking. Some innovative programs are specific to women with low education and low incomes who are at high risk of starting or continuing to smoke. These programs are helping women develop the self-esteem and determination necessary to stop smoking. Effective smoking prevention and cessation programs have to be accessible to all women including disabled women and women who need child care. School curricula need to address the very serious problem of low self-esteem in many young girls.