National

One More Hurdle Removed For B.C. Smokers Hoping To Quit In 2016

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Dec, 2015 02:05 PM

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government is making it easier for smokers who want to kick the habit in 2016.

Health Minister Terry Lake says starting Jan. 1, anyone who wants to quit no longer needs to call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to join the province's smoking cessation program.

Lake says smokers can sign up at any pharmacy and have access to free nicotine replacement therapy products.

Options include nicotine lozenges, inhalers, gum, the nicotine skin patch, as well as specific prescription drugs.

B.C. Pharmacy Association CEO Geraldine Vance says pharmacists are committed to helping patients lead healthier lives and want to assist smokers with making 2016 the year they quit successfully.

The smoking cessation program began in 2011 and the province says it has invested more than $38-million since then, helping more than 187,000 people try to kick the habit.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Odds-defying Prostate Cancer Drug Developed In B.C. Hits Clinical Trials

VANCOUVER — A made-in-British Columbia treatment is offering fresh hope to men battling prostate cancer.

Odds-defying Prostate Cancer Drug Developed In B.C. Hits Clinical Trials

Don't Fear Us, Even The Single Men, Syrian Refugees Tell Canadians

AMMAN, Jordan — Khaled Dos says he understands why Canada is focusing on families as it chooses thousands of potential new citizens from among the millions of Syrian refugees desperate for a fresh start.

Don't Fear Us, Even The Single Men, Syrian Refugees Tell Canadians

Breast Milk Site To Open In Winnipeg; Donations To Help Sick Babies

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is opening a site where registered donations of breast milk will be accepted.

Breast Milk Site To Open In Winnipeg; Donations To Help Sick Babies

B.C. Union Workers Say They Want Legalized Pot To Be Sold In Their Stores

BURNABY, B.C. — The unions representing British Columbia liquor retail workers want legalized marijuana to be sold in their stores.

B.C. Union Workers Say They Want Legalized Pot To Be Sold In Their Stores

Bank Of Canada Keeps Benchmark Rate At 0.5% With Economy Unfolding As Expected

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada left its trend-setting interest rate unchanged Wednesday, saying the economy is adjusting as expected to the bite of low commodity prices and weaker-than-anticipated U.S. demand.