S I N C E
THURSDAY
JANUARY 7, 2016 Vol. 121, $ 05 Issue 3
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STARTING THE NEW YEAR ON RIGHT FOOT
SHERI REGNIER Trail Times
Smokers wanting to butt out this year can head to their local pharmacy for help and free nicotine replacements. Pharmacist Linda Seib says people have already dropped into Shoppers Drug Mart and joined B.C.’s Smoking Cessation program following the Jan. 1 change that allows smokers ease of access to kick the habit. Prior to the new year, anyone wanting to quit tobacco had to call HealthLink BC to join the program, then monthly thereafter to refill nicotine therapies such as patches or gum. “Just visit your pharmacy, no need to call “Smoking 8-1-1 (HealthLink)” continues to be explained Seib. “You the number one will be asked to sign cause of a declaration form whether you receive preventable death in Canada.” nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or LINDA SEIB prescription smoking cessations drugs,” she added. “This is your acknowledgement that you can be contacted by Pharmacare for the purpose of program evaluation and planning.” Nicorette products are covered under the expanded program, that now includes lozenges and inhalers as well as gum and patches. “Smoking continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in Canada,” said Seib. “People can access this program for 84 consecutive days once a calendar year.” Champix or Zyban, two oral drugs, are also covered, but a doctor’s prescription is required. As before, the medications are covered based on an individual’s annual Pharmacare deductible, Seib added. The provincial smoking cessation program has helped thousands of British Columbians work toward a tobacco-free life, according to the Ministry of Health. B.C. has invested more than $38 million into CONTINUED ON A3
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Performance Fitness owner and trainer Mark Slessor has seen an increase in people coming to his gym since Jan. 1, but says getting to the gym isn’t the problem - maintaining a workout routine all year, is. “Get yourself here and I can help keep you here,” added Slessor. Scott McIntosh (pictured) has been keeping in shape at Performance Fitness for the last few years and with Slessor’s motivation, works out regardless the month or day.
Impaired driving, drug seizures rise: annual traffic report charge or an immediate roadside prohibition can have on the driver, family or victims of a crash.” Last year, there were 122 impaired or 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions compared to 90 in 2014. Police will reevaluate holiday coverage after New Year’s Eve alone generated four impaired charges. “Boxing Day was busy with four impaired driving infractions,” he adds. “We always thought that day was quiet but (we’ll) have to look at it more closely next year.” Following a rising pattern, police saw a dramatic increase in drug seizures (450
VALERIE ROSSI Trail Times
An increase in impaired driving and drug seizures is alarming to roadside police, according to West Kootenay Traffic Services’ annual report. The regional patrol unit’s 2015 statistics highlights a change in the motoring public, says John Ferguson of the South East District. “Our impaired driving charges increased by 35 per cent and our one, three and seven-day alcohol suspensions increased by 100 per cent,” he noted. “This is an alarming increase. We cannot stress enough the devastation an impaired
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up from 278) and well over 100 per cent increase in drug trafficking charges (16 up from five) related to the possession of marijuana, LSD, cocaine and GHB for the purpose of trafficking. “The majority of trafficking charges were from Shambhala, but all were in relationship to road blocks or routine car stops,” Ferguson added. Seat belt and cell phone-related infractions decreased, but distracted driving continues to be a focus for police. Excessive speeding is also on the unit’s radar with a 50 per cent increase in motorists caught travelling 40 kilometres over CONTINUED ON A3
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