TORONTO — While nobody claims that quitting smoking is easy, the Ontario Lung Association hopes a campaign that includes a new iPhone app will help young adults in the province butt out for good.
The app, which challenges players to use their lung capacity to play a sports-related game, is one component of the Quit & Get Fit campaign that encourages smokers to kick the habit with the aid of physical exercise.
Quit & Get Fit is based on scientific studies that demonstrate how physical activity, and even deep breathing, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and also assist in curbing post-quitting weight gain, the association says. Physical activity can also help reduce cigarette consumption for those unwilling or unable to quit.
“Ontario Lung Association realizes that young adults have the highest smoking rate among all age groups in Ontario, yet there is a huge gap when it comes to helping them quit successfully,” George Habib, association president and CEO, said in a release. “Up until now, there have been few resources specifically tailored for this age group.”
To reach young adult smokers, the organization is using a number of social media initiatives. For instance, a new Quit & Get Fit tab has been added to its existing Facebook fan page, featuring a download link to the new iPhone app and a YouTube video.
The iPhone app was developed as a fun distraction when the smoking urge hits. Participants are challenged to take a deep breath, then blow into their smart phones to use their lung capacity to play either a hockey or golf-related game. the goal is to score by blowing a puck or golf ball into the net or hole.
The app includes three levels of difficulty and includes audio messages, voiced by former Canadian Olympic triathlon coach Barrie Shepley, that offer quick tips and encouragement. at the end of the game, users can post a message to their Facebook account to let their friends know about the game.
The association has also created a YouTube video that spoofs smoking rituals by replacing cigarettes with exercise equipment.
The video was designed to capture viewers’ attention and encourage them to share with their social networks and generate discussion. the video directs viewers to the Lung Association’s Facebook fan page.
The organization is also partnering with GoodLife Fitness to offer members and non-members a no-charge opportunity to participate in a Quit & Get Fit program at 20 of its locations across Ontario. Participants will receive a series of complimentary personal training sessions that combine smoking cessation support with fitness and health information.
Program registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations will be accepted from March 7 until March 28 or until all spaces are taken.
Quit & Get Fit will run until April 30 at select GoodLife locations in Belleville, Cambridge, Chatham, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Milton, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Stratford, Toronto, Waterloo and Windsor. in return for enrolment, participants are asked to complete online surveys about their smoking and physical fitness status so that the program can be evaluated.