Smoking/Cigarette Credit: Bill Moore photo
by Jasleen Kaur
December is a time of holiday cheer and planning gifts for our loved ones, but how often do we reflect and consider the most meaningful gift we can give ourselves? This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a healthier, smoke-free future — because nothing brings more joy than celebrating with the people you love, free from the grasp of cigarette smoke.
Quitting smoking can ensure you are around for special moments with your families. People who quit smoking can add up to ten more years to their life. Quitting will also ensure that your loved ones are safe from secondhand smoke exposure. Contrary to the popular belief, secondhand smoke is harmful no matter how brief the exposure, particularly for young infants and children who can be at an increased risk of acute respiratory infection, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), slowed lung growth, among other problems.
There are many resources available for you to quit smoking whether it’s in the form of helplines, medications or by joining a support group to help you go through the journey. If you are ready to quit, you can visit the New York State Quitline, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), which will give you resources to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and talk to a quit coach to walk you through the process. You can also join free nicotine anonymous support meetings to get community support from smokers who are in the similar shoes and are trying to quit.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of quitting smoking and a path to a healthier future. By taking this step, you aren’t only improving your health and well being, but also keeping your loved ones safe and creating a brighter, smoke-free environment around you.
For more information on NYC Smoke-Free or to lend support in ending NYC’s devastating tobacco epidemic please visit www.NYCSmokeFree.org
Jasleen Kaur is the Manhattan Reality Check Youth Engagement Manager for NYC Smoke-Free Public Health Solutions.
This article originally appeared in the Amsterdam News.
OP-ED: Quitting smoking is the best holiday gift you can give yourself
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