Honoring the Gift of Heart Health for American Indians

Section Seven - Enjoy Living Smoke Free. Take the Path to Heart Healthy Living.

Enjoy Living Smoke Free. Take the Path to Heart Healthy Living.
Mary Will Show You How She Quit Smoking and Made Her Home Smoke Free
Follow Mary's Example To Quit Smoking for Good
Mary Resists the Urge To Smoke
Mary's Family Is Living Smoke Free
My Plan To Quit Smoking
My Heart Health Card

Mary Will Show You How She Quit Smoking and Made Her Home Smoke Free

A Wake-Up Call!

Mary: "The doctor said that my smoking was causing my grandson to have asthma attacks. He did not have to say it twice. This gave me the willpower to quit smoking."

Why Quit Smoking?

To improve your family's well-being:

• Enjoy a longer and healthier life with your children and grandchildren.
• Breathe easier.
• Have more energy.
• Save money now spent on cigarettes.
• Set a good example for your family.

Look and smell better:

• Get rid of bad breath.
• Have fresh-smelling clothes and hair.
• Lose yellow stain on teeth and fingers.
• Prevent wrinkles.

How Does Smoking Affect Your Health?

• Smoking can cause:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Lung dise

How Does Smoking Affect the Health of Your Loved Ones?

• Children exposed to cigarette smoke may have more:
  
  • Asthma attacks
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections
    
    
• Family members exposed to cigarette smoke may develop:
  • Heart and lung problems
  • Stroke
  • Cancer
    
    
• Smoking during pregnancy increases the chances that your baby will be born sick.

What Should You Expect When You Quit Smoking?

Nicotine is a powerful drug that causes addiction. Your body gets used to the nicotine in cigarettes. When you stop smoking, getting rid of the nicotine in your body can make you feel sick. Tell your doctor that you are trying to quit smoking. There are medicines that can help you feel better.

How Does It Feel When You Begin To Quit Smoking?

Some people may have headaches, feel cranky, or tired. This happens when the body tries to get rid of the nicotine.

The good news is:

• Most symptoms go away in about 4 weeks.
• Quitting smoking is not easy, but many people are able to quit for good.
• If you smoke again, quit again. It may take many attempts to stay off cigarettes. Just remember you can do it!

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIH Publication No. 08-6340
June 2008