ALBERTA – May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, a day to raise awareness about the health risks of using nicotine products, such as cigarettes or vapes (e-cigarettes). Parents, caregivers and other adults have an important role in helping youth understand the risks of nicotine products.

Nicotine is harmful and highly addictive, especially for kids, teens, and young adults. It disrupts brain development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.

Primary Care Alberta (PCA) reminds all adults that they play an essential role in shaping the knowledge, beliefs and choices youth make around nicotine. PCA has resources and supports to help guide conversations between adults and youth:

• primarycarealberta.ca/talktips is a hub for parents and caregivers to get practical tips and videos on how to talk with teens about nicotine and other substances.
• primarycarealberta.ca/tobaccovapingprevention is a space for teachers and school staff to find lesson plans and other prevention resources.
• behindthehaze.ca is a website for youth (aged 13-17) to get the facts on vaping nicotine and find tools to help them quit.
• albertaquits.ca is a hub for adults (aged 18+) to find trusted advice and resources to help them quit smoking or vaping for good.

As World No Tobacco Day approaches, PCA encourages all people in Alberta to think about the impact of nicotine on the young people in their lives. For help to quit smoking or vaping for good, go to albertaquits.ca.

Care is a lifelong commitment for Primary Care Alberta. We plan, fund and support primary healthcare across the province, improving access to care providers and offering front-line services through Health Link 811 and public health teams. Throughout the health journey, we are by your side – managing, preventing and reducing illness. Along with our partners, we nurture the connections our communities need to thrive and strengthen the health of all Albertans.