Your child needs a super hero: Quit smoking now!

About: Almost from birth kids see mom and dad as super heroes. They look up to you, and want to be just like you. If you are a tobacco user, you don’t want them to follow your lead and start smoking. Be the super hero your child needs. Make quitting one of your superpowers. Call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111 to get registered for the next stop smoking class, or visit their website at KickingTobacco.com.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s the best way to protect your family from secondhand smoke. And, it’s a wonderful way to show them what’s important.

Be your child’s super hero. They look up to you, and want to be just like you.

If you are a tobacco user, you don’t want them to follow your lead and start smoking.

Show them how strong you are. Set a quit date now and stick with it. Make a list of the good things about quitting:

• You’ll breathe easier, and so will they.
• No more smoke residue in your house.
• You’ll save money.
• No more missing important moments because of smoking breaks.

Enlist the help of your family to help make quitting easier. As you prepare to quit make it a healthier time for the whole family.

“To give yourself the best chance of being successful, start by taking care of yourself,” said Mike Wilburn, coordinator of the Cessation Program at the Garrett County Health Department. “Make it a family affair. Make sure you all eat well, get enough sleep, and drink lots of water, which is great for overall health, and has the added benefit of helping your body cleanse itself of nicotine.”

And don’t forget to exercise. Even superhero’s need to stay in shape, and regular exercise can help you deal with both the physical and psychological aspects of nicotine addiction. So let exercise be your secret weapon, and plan active events for your whole family. Family exercise can include playing in the snow during the winter, hiking or biking when the weather permits, or even just walking any time of year. The sky’s the limit.

Be the super hero your child needs. Make quitting one of your superpowers. Call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111 to get registered for the next stop smoking class, or visit their website at KickingTobacco.com. You can also call the Maryland Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for ongoing help.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

Photo Credit: Sonlight Imaging