Just One More Reason You Should Quit Today: Secondhand Smoke Devestating for Both Children and Non-Smoking Adults

Just One More Reason You Should Quit Today: Secondhand Smoke Devastating for Both Children and Non-Smoking Adults

So why quit smoking? You hear all of the chatter about Lung Cancer and Emphysema, but you haven’t been diagnosed yet. Your teeth may be a little yellow, but that’s what whitening strips were invented for, right? Besides, the stress of quitting smoking is way too much on top of all the stress you are already dealing with in everyday life. But what about second-hand smoke? Did you know that secondhand smoke occurs most often in homes and workplaces and has devastatingly detrimental effects on non-smoking individuals?

Secondhand smoke can be defined as a mixture of gases and fine particles which includes smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe tip which has been exhaled or breathed out by the person or people smoking. Secondhand smoke exposure most often occurs in homes and workplaces, but can also occur in such public places as restaurants, bars, casinos and private vehicles. Despite popular belief, ventilation does not eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. The only way to ensure that secondhand smoke does not occur is by, (sigh), quitting smoking.
Not surprisingly, the population which is most affected by secondhand smoke is children, specifically young children. In children, secondhand smoke can cause more frequent and severe asthma attacks, ear infections, respiratory infections, other respiratory symptoms and a greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As a result of secondhand smoke, approximately 7,500-15,000 hospital visits are made by children and an estimated 150,000-300,000 new case of Bronchitis and Pneumonia are reported annually.

Non-smoking adults are also affected by secondhand smoke. This is most common when non-smoking adults have romantic partners whom are smokers. If individuals knew that they were putting their loved ones at risk for Heart Disease and/or lung Cancer, would they still choose to smoke? Would they think more about their actions if they knew that there is no risk-free level of contact with secondhand smoke? Despite contrary belief, the “it was just for a second” mentality does not apply in terms of secondhand smoke exposure.
Unfortunately, as any smoker knows, quitting is just not that easy. It can be incredibly stressful and even agonizing. Many individuals want to quit smoking, mindful of the risks smoking presents to themselves and their loved ones, but do not feel that they are able to.

So what if there was a solution? No, it is not a patch. It is not a pill. The solution to successfully quitting smoking is a choice. It is a choice that an individual makes for themselves and for their loved ones. It is the choice to choose support from a professional counselor whom specializes in helping motivated and dedicated individuals quit smoking.

Addiction is addiction. Whether you are addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, food or cigarettes, fighting addiction is a difficult battle. Effective counselors whom seek to assist clients in quitting smoking often utilize the “Five A’s” of counseling patients to stop using tobacco. Such “Five A’s” include; asking, advising, assessing, assisting and arranging. An effective counselor may support a client within the development of a smoking cessation plan and help guide the client through the process. It is important to note that the client must be fully invested in his/her decision to quit smoking in order for such counseling to be effective.

 The decision to quit smoking is one to be made not only for oneself, but for loved ones as well. Secondhand smoke is a serious issue, and one that is too often overlooked. Millions are affected by secondhand smoke, to include both children and adults, and devastating health effects are the result.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including addictions to Nicotine and to the act of smoking itself, (humans are habitual creatures and habits, even the unhealthy and dirty ones like putting poison to one’s lips, can be incredibly difficult to break). If you or someone you know is invested in quitting smoking but is having trouble doing so, Selfempnh can help. As an organization, we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC, has a background in assisting individuals in quitting smoking through both traditional counseling approaches and Hypnotherapy. For more information about the services Self Empowerment NH, LLC offers, please contact Lori at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com. You can also visit the organization’s website at selfempowermentnh.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.