Ngongotaha Kicks the Butt -- Toi Te Ora

Ngongotaha Kicks the Butt

Toi Te Ora - Public Health and Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha have joined forces to make July 'Smokefree Homes and Cars' month for the Ngongotaha community.

"With the help of Rob Beckett and Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha, there has been fantastic support from the local community, and many have joined in to help get the message out there. From the Main Street shops, to the local sporting clubs, the support has been overwhelming and a credit to the Ngongotaha community" says Deanna Watkins, Health Promoter for Toi Te Ora - Public Health.

The objective of the Smokefree Homes and Cars month is to increase parents and caregivers awareness of the detrimental effects of second hand smoke on children within cars and homes, and show that there is support here for those wishing to quit, such as Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha.

"Children tend to have no choice about being around second hand smoke, they often can't refuse to get into a car with a smoker," says Deanna Watkins. "That's why they need particular protection, making sure children's air is safe is as important as making sure they're safe from physical harm."

So for the month of July there will be a number of events to promote 'Smokefree Homes and Cars', including a promotional day on July 13 from 10am - 2pm, at the Scout Hall, Western Road, Ngongotaha. There will be Aukati Kai Paipa/Quit Smoke Coaches, a fun colouring competition for the kids, 'smokefree' balloons and giveaways, and information on how to make your home and car smokefree.

For further information about the event, please feel free to contact Rob Beckett, Manager, Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha, 357 4946, or Deanna Watkins, Health Promoter, Toi Te Ora - Public Health, 0800 221 555.

Make your home and car smokefree:

Everyone can help reduce the exposure of second-hand smoke to children by declaring their home and car a 'smokefree zone'.

* Make a RULE - your home and car is smokefree to all family and friends
* Order a smokefree sticker, to make it clear that your home and car is a smokefree zone
* Put 'no smoking' stickers on the car ashtray and dashboards, and around the home
* Clean out your home and car ashtrays and remove the cigarette lighter from your car

Making your home and car a 'smokefree zone' means that everyone who travels in your vehicle, or lives and visits your home, breathes air free of tobacco smoke.

ENDS

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