For Valentine’s Day, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit suggests offering your sweetheart a kiss with fresh, tobacco-free breath when you quit smoking.

And when you do quit and stay smoke-free for at least the month of March, you’ll have a chance to follow up that February kiss with a new Toyota Prius, the grand prize draw in the Driven to Quit Challenge.

“When people tell us how happy they are that they quit smoking, they usually follow up by saying they never realized until they stopped how the smell of tobacco smoke lingered all around them,” said Jennifer Tonn, a public health nurse with the tobacco program at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “So when you quit, it’s a win-win situation. Not only do you start to improve your health, but your breath improves — and that’s good news for your sweetheart.”

Currently about 25 per cent of adults in the Simcoe Muskoka area smoke, and research shows the majority of these smokers would like to quit.

“Think of March 1 as your ultimate quit date and begin practising now by delaying that first cigarette of the day,” said Tonn. “Then go smoke-free for 24 hours on Valentine’s Day. Each of these steps will help you break the addiction for good,” Tonn added.

For a chance to win the car, you must register for the Driven to Quit Challenge by Friday, Feb. 29 and remain smoke-free for the month of March. Enter online at www.driventoquit.ca or call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.

“Quitting smoking is the perfect gift to give someone who loves you. A year after becoming smoke-free your risk of heart disease is cut in half.  How’s that for a truly heart-felt gift.”

For more information and support call Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.