The Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (CQTS) recently established a regulation allowing compensation for tobacco victims in Quebec. As for the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of Montérégie-Centre, the fight against tobacco is daily.
Tobacco companies will have to pay $4.3 billion to 100,000 Quebec victims of tobacco. In 2020-2021, 13% of the population aged 15 and over in the Haut-Richelieu-Rouville local service network reported smoking cigarettes, or 21,500 people. This year, in Montérégie, 15% of the population aged 15 and over, or approximately 174,100 people, report currently smoking cigarettes, according to a survey by the CISSS Montérégie-Centre.
“We have social representations to deconstruct, such as smoking making one cool. » – Serge Nkuisso
David-Martin Milot, specialist in public health at the CISSS Montérégie-Centre, explains the harmful effects of cigarettes and related products on the human body. “Lung cancer is one of the most devastating outcomes. We can also link tobacco use to chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and the effects on the body’s immunity in general. Finally, in terms of mental health, there is a dependence on tobacco. »
Now vaping
To succumb to cigarettes, the user necessarily recognizes positive points. “Yes, positive points only in the context of consumers,” continues the specialist. The latter claim that it allows them to relax or socialize, but this is all in the short term. The harms far outweigh the benefits. »
In Montérégie-Centre, there is the Tobacco Cessation Center (CAT), in which Paul-Serge Nkuisso, nurse-clinician at the CLSC du Richelieu, works. “We have to work with people to bring out their spirit for change. We are slowly getting them to recognize the harms of smoking. But we are not moralizers! It must come from themselves. »
While the CISSS study confirms a 40% drop in people who smoke cigarettes between 2008 and 2021, a new battle is emerging for health services. “Vaping is the new scourge,” continues Serge Nkuisso. It is adolescents and young adults who are targeted. We have social representations to deconstruct, such as smoking would make us cool. Something has to reduce the withdrawal. This element depends on each individual, which is why we personalize our follow-ups. »
Self-esteem
David-Martin Milot offers various ideas for forgetting nicotine addiction. “We can use pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods. This could be gum, lozenges or physical activity. » Serge Nkuisso goes even further. “We see that one of the motivations for quitting smoking is concern for health. When smokers see the devastation on their loved ones, it can serve as a detonator. We are also welcoming more and more young people and there, we are banking on their self-esteem. Their lack of endurance during physical activities or the smell of tobacco on their clothes can also be incentives. »
A final fight motivates these two health players. “Our services are free but are still little known by the general public, despite the fact that we are present in CLSCs,” estimates Serge Nkuisso. We can also do this in telecommunications. We also help young people by texting! There is no waiting list for our services, because you have to know how to welcome someone who wants to quit smoking and help them right away! »
