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S Wednesday, May 19, 2004 Orono Weekly Times - 5 Survey finds decline in Durham Region smoking rates WHITBY, ON, May 12, 2004 - Smoking rates in Durham Region adults have reached a new low as Durham Region Health Department reports that less than one- quarter of area adults are smoking. Durham Region has maintained a steady decline in smoking rates, falling from 36 per cent in 1990 to 23 per cent in 2003. Since 1999, the Health Department has been monitoring monitoring smoking rates and other issues of public health importance importance with the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS). "By monitoring public health issues, changes in community health and awareness can be tracked," explained Dr. Donna Reynolds, Durham Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. "This survey is one way that the Health Department can monitor and respond to our community's health concerns." RRFSS has also found that two Health Department campaigns campaigns have had an impact on residents' willingness to eliminate eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke in their homes and cars. Through the Smoke-Free Homes campaign, the survey has found that 70 per cent of Durham Region households are completely smoke-free which is an increase from 58 per cent in 2001. In addition, the survey also reports that the Smoke-Free Cars campaign has also seen a decline in smoking in cars, as 76 per cent of area residents do not allow smoking in their vehicle which is up from 69 per cent in 2001. "The decline of smoking rates in Durham Region is definitely a positive step towards the improvement of overall health," said Dr. Reynolds. "It shows that peo ple are becoming more aware of the serious impact of smoking smoking on health and that they're taking action to protect their health by eliminating tobacco as part of their lifestyle." RRFSS is an on-going telephone telephone survey, of adults aged 18 years and older. Area residents residents are called and asked questions regarding their awareness of health issues such as fruit and vegetable consumption, sun safety, cancer cancer screening tests and other health behaviours. The Institute for Social Research (I SR) at York University conducts the survey survey on behalf of the Health Department. About 100 households are randomly selected each month to ensure ; the information collected accurately represents the Durham Region population. If your household is selected selected and you receive a phone call from the ISR, the Health Department strongly encourages encourages you to participate in the RRFSS survey. Participation in the survey will help guarantee guarantee the information provided is accurate and valuable to help guide program planning and service delivery for future years. For more information about the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System, please call Durham Region Health Department at 905-723-8521 or 1-800-841-2729. You can also visit online at www.region.durham.on.ca or the RRFSS Web site at www.cehip.org/rrfss. •^jgOSSSM»^ 'it'v. X / - " , |i ss J «4% *... ..5 >£"T j >V it o k € i i â ri $ U b % h U % x *' Now available in Clarington only at FRED'S AUTOBODY 163 Baseline Road, Unit 1 Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3L4 Tel: (905) 623-6353 Fax: 905-623-3913 E-mail: FAB@on.albn.com Fred DeVries, owner • FREE ESTIMATES •COMPETITIVE RATES •INSURANCE CLAIMS Complete Collision Repair, Restoration and Refinishing Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home THOUGHTFULNESS, SERVICE & CONCERN A Family Owned Business, Offering: Traditional Funeral Services Pre-arranged & Prepaid Services - Cremation Arrangements Alternatives to Traditional Funerals - Out of Town Shipping CORY KUIPERS - PRESIDENT 53 Division Street 905-623-5668 Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 2Z8 OFF STREET PARKING yL' S a Garden P^rty.^ V v. Bowmanville Museum * ~ v 37 Silver St. JOIN VS FOR OVR1ST. ANNUAL PLANT SALE SPECIAL Nail Set with Air Brush s 25 Brigitte Brown • Waxing _ • Nall Extensions • Air Brushing • Eyelash Tinting • Paraffin Wax • Pedicures & Manicures Gift Certificates Available ESTHETIC STUDIO 15% DISCOUNT Ilgr 171 Mill Street, Orono, ON LOB 1M0 • 905-983-8169 ^ C The historic conserveratory at the museum is blooming with plants. Lots of choices including, Tomato, Green Pepper, Eggplant, Watermelon, Morning Glory, Herbs, Foxglove Stock your gardens at bargain prices and support your local museum May 29, 2004 10:00 am - 2:00 pm For more information call 905-623-2734