Author: campus-leavethepackbehind

Where you can find us

Booth in SLC
Winter Term 2006
(Begins January 25th)
Wednesdays 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursdays 11:30am-1:30pm

Tons of cool stuff and information!

If you require immediate assistance, contact UW Health Services or the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 Free. Confidential. One-to-One.

Who Are We?

The Leave The Pack Behind team is made up of your fellow undergraduate and graduate students, some non-smokers and others who have quit. Our team is not here to preach to you about the evils of smoking or otherwise. We aim to provide information about smoking to UW students and engage in dialogue about tobacco related issues.

By providing students with the facts on tobacco and a perspective on tobacco related issues, we hope to help students make informed positive choices. Medical support for smoking cessation is also available from UW Health Services.

Who We Want to Reach

• Smokers who DON’T want to quit
• Smokers who DO want to quit
• Smokers who want to CUT BACK smoking
• Friends who want to help someone quit
• Non-Smokers

What We Offer

• Carbon Monoxide testing
• Peer education
• Educational campaigns on tobacco awareness
• Information on effective smoking cessation strategies
• Survival kits for those trying to stop smoking
• Referrals to health care professionals
• Free stuff for those that visit our booth
• Contests where quitting, cutting back, partying without smoking or not starting smoking can win you cash and other prizes!

“I’ve been smoking for 11 years and it feels so good to finally quit. Smoking became such a burden at one point… This is the only quit smoking program geared towards university students and it’s a great idea.”

– Lisa Y.
Honours Science
“Quit for Good” contest winner

“I think LTPB is a great campaign. Making all these resources available at the SLC along with constant encouragement may give smokers that final nudge to quit…By having someone monitoring my progress through concrete tests (such as CO and cotinine) I felt especially motivated to remain smoke free.”

– Araceli G.
Biology/Psychology
“ Quit for Good” contest winner

Welcome to Leave the Pack Behind University of Waterloo!
Summer’s Back! Throw Away the Pack!
Enjoy your summer; we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Who we are

Leave The Pack Behind (LTPB) is a comprehensive, age-tailored, tobacco control initiative for young adults on post-secondary campuses.

LTPB seamlessly integrates cessation, protection, prevention and industry denormalization activities to:

* Promote smoking cessation among occasional and regular smokers
* Protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke
* Expose tobacco industry tactics that keep people hooked on its deadly products.

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but it can also be one of the most challenging. University students face unique stressors, such as academic pressure and social influences, which can make quitting even more difficult. However, with the right strategies, resources, and support, you can successfully leave smoking behind. The Leave the Pack Behind initiative at the University of Waterloo provides valuable tools to help students quit smoking. You can access these resources at campus.leavethepackbehind.org.

Why Quitting Smoking Matters

Smoking has numerous short-term and long-term health risks, including:

• Increased risk of respiratory diseases
• Higher likelihood of heart disease and stroke
• Reduced athletic performance and energy levels
• Negative impact on mental health, including anxiety and depression
• Financial burden due to the cost of cigarettes

Practical Tips for Quitting Smoking

1. Set a Quit Date

Choosing a quit date gives you a concrete goal to work towards. Pick a date within the next two weeks to allow for preparation while keeping the momentum strong.

2. Identify Your Triggers

Understanding what makes you want to smoke is key to breaking the habit. Common triggers include:

• Stress from exams or assignments
• Social gatherings where others are smoking
• Drinking alcohol or caffeine
• Certain routines, like having a cigarette with your morning coffee

3. Find Healthy Alternatives

Replacing smoking with healthier habits can make quitting easier. Try:

• Chewing gum or eating healthy snacks when cravings hit
• Exercising to relieve stress and improve mood
• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises

4. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and make quitting more manageable. The Leave the Pack Behind program provides free quit kits with NRT products for students.

5. Seek Support

Quitting is easier when you have a strong support system. You can:

• Talk to friends and family about your goal to quit
• Join a support group at your university
• Use online resources like campus.leavethepackbehind.org for expert advice

6. Manage Stress Without Smoking

Stress is a major trigger for smoking, but there are healthier ways to cope, such as:

• Yoga or meditation
• Journaling to express your thoughts and emotions
• Engaging in hobbies like painting, music, or sports

7. Avoid Temptations

Stay away from environments that make you want to smoke. If you usually smoke at parties, try attending non-smoking social events or bringing a supportive friend.

8. Track Your Progress

Keep a journal of your progress, noting how many days you’ve been smoke-free, how much money you’ve saved, and how your health has improved.

9. Reward Yourself

Celebrate milestones, like one week or one month smoke-free. Use the money you’ve saved to treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a movie night or a new book.

How Leave the Pack Behind Can Help

The Leave the Pack Behind program at campus.leavethepackbehind.org offers various resources to support students who want to quit smoking, including:

• Free quit kits with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
• Peer support and one-on-one coaching
• Online tools and educational materials

Conclusion

Quitting smoking is a journey, but with determination, support, and the right strategies, you can successfully leave smoking behind. If you’re ready to start your smoke-free journey, visit campus.leavethepackbehind.org for resources and support tailored for university students. Your health, finances, and future self will thank you.

Leave The Pack Behind (LTPB) is a comprehensive, age-tailored, tobacco control initiative for young adults on post-secondary campuses.

LTPB seamlessly integrates cessation, protection, prevention and industry denormalization activities to:

* Promote smoking cessation among occasional and regular smokers
* Protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke
* Expose tobacco industry tactics that keep people hooked on its deadly products

Check out our links to the left to learn more about us and our contact information, our upcoming events, details and pictures from our contest, and valuable links to help you learn more about a smoke-free lifestyle.

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