more information on this subject

Consider the Facts

• Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer among both American men and women.  Each year 440,000 people in the U.S. die from tobacco use.
• Nationally, 22.9% of high schools students were current smokers in 2002.  Almost 27% of those 18-24 years old were current smokers in 2002.
• Smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) account for 87% of lung cancers.
• Smoking is a major cause of cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, pancreas and cervix.
• Smokers believe that cigarette smoking relieves stress.  The truth of the matter is that tobacco dependency is associated with heightened stress.

Is Your Smoking Hurting the Ones you Love?

• Only 15% of smoke from a cigarette is inhaled by the smoker.  The other 85% goes directly in to the air and is known as “second-hand” smoke.
• Each year, second-hand smoke may be responsible for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmoking adults and an additional 35,000 to 40,000 cases of heart disease in nonsmokers.
• We know that children of parents who smoke have more frequent and more severe asthma attacks, bronchitis and pneumonia; get more ear infections; and are at a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Benefits of Being Smoke Free

• Reduces risk of heart disease, stroke and chronic lung disease.
• Fewer wrinkles and softer skin.
• Improves taste and smell.
• Reduces risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight baby.
• Personal benefits:  feel more in control of life; better smelling hair, breath, clothes, home and care; have whiter teeth.  Time savings:  not having to take smoke breaks.
• Family benefits:  reduces children’s respiratory tract infections; sets good examples for children and reduces cancer risks.

Understanding Your Ability to Quit Smoking

• Tobacco use is an addiction.  Learning about your addiction is an important tool to your ability to quit.
• Familiarize yourself with the products available on the market to help you quit smoking and to learn how to use them properly.
• Don’t try to go it alone.  Seek out support from other smokers who can help you through the process.

Local Resources for Smoking Cessation

• American Lung Association, 1541 Allentown Road, Lima, OH  45805    Locally 419-224-8561 or (800) LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
• American Cancer Society, 616 S. Collett Street, Lima, OH  45805   Locally (419) 225-8860 or (800) 4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
• American Heart Association, P. O. Box 593, Lima, OH  45802     Locally (419) 223-5761  or (800) AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721)
• St. Rita’s Medical Center, 730 W. Market Street, Lima, OH  45801     (419) 227-3361.
• Lima Memorial Health System, 1001 Bellefontaine Avenue, Lima, OH  45804   (419) 226-5036  Leave a Message
• Tobacco Quit Line
  The Tobacco Quit Line is a FREE telephone counseling service designed to help you quit smoking cigarettes or using tobacco. You can call toll free at
  1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669).

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