Kicking Butt: The Great American SmokeoutOf the 47 million adult Americans who smoke, 89 percent had their first cigarette before they turned 18. Cigarettes are addictive to people of all ages, but new studies show that teens are especially susceptible. They can become addicted in as little as 4 weeks. Each day, 3,000 people under age 18 become regular smokers, totaling 1 million new smokers every year. Roughly one-third of them will eventually die from a tobacco-related disease. What does all this mean? Simply put, if you keep your child from lighting up, you give her a much greater chance of remaining a nonsmoker throughout her life. The Great American Smokeout is a chance for smokers of all ages to "pack" up their cigarettes and quit smoking. On November 15, the American Cancer Society encourages our Nation's 50 million smokers to say "no thanks" to cigarettes for just 1 day. In the past, nearly one-third of all smokers have joined in. They swap stories about how hard it is to live without cigarettes, share advice about quitting, and support one another throughout the day. If you're a smoker, you know that it can be one of the toughest habits to break. If you've been looking for a way to quit, consider joining the Great American Smokeout. Let your daughter help you through the day. Talk to her about the first time you smoked, how tough it is to quit, and why she shouldn't smoke. If you're a nonsmoker, consider getting involved in the Great American Smokeout. "Adopt" a smoker for the day with your daughter, and help that person take the first steps in kicking the habit. Regardless of whether you smoke or not, you can help your daughter learn about the dangers of tobacco and its effects on her body. Come up with a list of responses she can give to her peers who may offer her a cigarette, and encourage her to make good decisions about her health. Looking for help?
|
