The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Health Canada is proposing new tailor-made tobacco warning labels aimed at smokers with low literacy skills as well as those who may quit and those who aren't planning on it. Government officials feel the current labels work well but are not as effective at reaching adults with low literacy skills. "In essence, some of the images and written messages could be made simpler to ensure they are fully understood by all who read them," the proposal document states. Among the new proposals, as reported by the Canadian Press: Health warnings would list both a potential detriment of smoking as well as a benefit of quitting. New health information messages would be concise and "action-oriented in nature," including tips on quitting the habit. Warnings would include messages about toxic emissions and the elements of tobacco as well as the potential health effects associated with a specific element. Health Canada invites Canadians to submit their comments and suggestions on the proposed changes. The department's number is (613) 957-2991. The e-mail address is: [email protected] About 16 per cent of Canadians ? an estimated five million people ? use tobacco products.
