Latest News Taranaki DHB Staff Smokefree Triathlon
Taranaki DHB staff members are gearing up to show their support and raise awareness of the importance of being Smokefree.
Twenty-two staff triathlon teams will gather at the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre at 8.30am on Saturday, 27 February to complete a 400km swim, 18km bike and 6km run.
Smokefree/Auahi Kore DHB Coordinator Karmin Erueti-Thatcher says the Smokefree triathlon is a first for Taranaki DHB. “I’m pleased so many staff have got involved. It will be a lot of fun.”
The event is an opportunity to encourage quit attempts within the community through participants wearing T-shirts displaying the key message Mutu-Kia Kaha – Give Quitting a Go, You can do it! This is the official theme for World Smokefree Day on 31 May 2010. Quitline contact details are on the back of the shirts.
“The triathlon is also an opportunity to further promote the new tobacco health target ‘better help for smokers to quit’ among staff, Mrs Erueti-Thatcher says.
Taranaki DHB has introduced the Ministry of Health’s ABC model to help improve its tobacco health target. The model is a whole new way to help smokers quit, by A - asking whether a person smokes, B - giving brief advice about quitting, and C - providing cessation support.
“The model is a simple formula with powerful potential,” Mrs Erueti-Thatcher says.
Media are invited to attend the triathlon – it is starting and finishing at the aquatic centre.
For more information please call
Krysti Wetton
Communications Adviser
Phone 021 457 978
Last updated: Thursday, February 25, 2010