Tobacco Prevention & Cessation

Second-hand smoke and your children. ‘They are trying to tell you something, are you listening?’

Knowing that tobacco smoke is putting family, friends and pets at risk of developing serious illnesses is probably the best motivation to quit. The effects on children’s growing bodies will impact the rest of their lives. Second-hand smoke exposure increases the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and of upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Children in smoking households also suffer from repeated ear infections and chronic cough.

In 1972, it was reported that 84% of children disapproved of their parents’ smoking. [1] Today, when asked how they feel about tobacco smoke, children and adolescents complain about coughs and eye irritation. They also dislike the smell that lingers on their clothes and hair. Some even report avoiding having their friends over.  Please, talk to your children, and discuss how smoke affects their lives.