Are you thinking of quitting smoking? Great! You are among the majority of Canadian Forces (CF) and Defence Team smokers who intend to quit, but haven't taken the important step of setting a date. To help motivate you, Strengthening the Forces is launching the "March 1st, I quit!" challenge. This contest includes all CFPSA/NPF employees. (See www.cfpsa.com web site for full details).

Every smoker who takes the challenge is already a winner. By quitting smoking, you automatically enhance your quality of life. By registering in the challenge, you also have the chance to win one of the four cash prizes of $1,000, 15 DVD players or five digital cameras.

Non-smokers can also join the challenge by registering as a supporter of someone who wants to quit smoking. Supporters are eligible to win the $1,000 cash prize or one of the five DVD players or five digital cameras.

All members of the DND/CF team, including CF members' immediate families who have reached the age of majority and NPF/CFPSA employees, are eligible to participate in the challenge. To take the challenge to quit smoking, you must either be a smoker, or a former smoker who has quit after September 1st, 2002.

It's easy to participate. Smokers must find two non-smoking supporters to help them take the challenge. Complete the registration forms and submit them to your local Strengthening the Forces office no later than midnight February 28, 2003. Finally, you must stop smoking by March 1st, 2003 and remain smoke-free until April 1st, 2003. Those who have already quit in the last six months have to continue not smoking.

The draw will be held on April 1st, 2003. Participants whose names are drawn and their supporters will be contacted by phone to find out whether the smoker remained smoke-free throughout March. Winners will also be asked to take a carbon monoxide test to confirm that they have not smoked since February 28, 2003, or sign a written statutory declaration. The names of the winners will be announced in early April.

Three out of four people who smoke say they want to quit. This challenge focuses on providing help, support and respect to those who are willing to try to stop smoking. It is very difficult to quit smoking and support is the key to success.

Your local Strengthening the Forces health promotion team can provide useful information on techniques and tips for quitting smoking. Supporters can also get information about how to help a smoker quit.

"March 1st, I quit!" registration forms are available at all Strengthening the Forces offices and online at www.cfpsa.com/health

"March 1st, I quit!" Challenge is a Strengthening the Forces initiative of the Deputy Chief of Staff Force Health Protection, in co-operation with the CFPSA. Prizes are donated by CANEX, the official sponsor of the "March 1st , I Quit" Challenge. CANEX is a division of CFPSA.