To bring awareness to the topic throughout the month of May, Western NSW Local Health District is running a ‘Quit for New Life’ photo competition encouraging families to show us how they live smoke free.

Project Coordinator Karen Lloyd said the Quit for New Life program encourages pregnant mums to quit smoking.

“Quit for New Life targets women who identify as having an Aboriginal baby. The program provides culturally appropriate smoking cessation support to pregnant women and their household members who smoke, including advice, behavioural strategies, referral to Quitline, up to 12 weeks free nicotine replacement therapy and extended follow-up support,” Karen said.

“There are many ways to try quit smoking. Talk to your midwife, health worker, GP or Quitline about nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenges or patches to help you quit.”

“Set a date within the next two weeks to be smoke free. Some people also find that writing yourself a note with your main reasons for quitting helps keep you focused on the end goal. Keep this note to look at if you need reminding.”

“There is also nothing wrong with planning some rewards for yourself to keep you motivated. Tell family, friends and people you work with that you are going to quit. Ask them to help you quit.”

“Think about when and where you normally smoke and work out ways to get through these times. Before quitting, avoid smoking in places where you regularly smoke.”

The photo competition is still open, with a number of great prizes up for grabs.

You can download an entry form and email your photo and form to WNSWLHD-HealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov.au.

Entries close at midnight on World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.

If you want help to quit smoking, call Quitline on 13 7848 or chat to your Aboriginal Health Worker or GP. For more information about quitting smoking, visit our website. For more information about World No Tobacco Day, please visit the World Health Organisation website.