This Mother’s Day, rather than asking for flowers or chocolates, Hawai‘i moms can celebrate the occasion by making a commitment to a healthier, smoke-free life. While there have been significant declines in smoking rates in recent years in Hawai‘i, according
This Mother’s Day, rather than asking for flowers or chocolates, Hawai‘i moms can celebrate the occasion by making a commitment to a healthier, smoke-free life. While there have been significant declines in smoking rates in recent years in Hawai‘i, according to a Hawai‘i Department of Health survey released last week, in 2010, there were still more than 65,000 women smokers around the state.
Those who still smoke are at risk for heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer and emphysema, as well as many other life-threatening illnesses.
“Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in Hawai‘i and for a mother to make a pledge to quit is a tremendous step in improving the health of the entire family,” said Dr. Cynthia J. Goto, Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline spokesperson. “Second-hand smoke is especially dangerous to our keiki. Children of parents who smoke half a pack a day or more are at nearly double the risk for hospitalization for a respiratory illness.”
The Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline is a confidential telephone service that provides free coaching and free nicotine gum or patches to help smokers quit. “The Quitline is ready to provide support to any mom that wants to quit. Quitting smoking for Mother’s Day is also a great gift to give to your mom,” said Dr. Goto.
“To be honest, quitting can feel impossible, but if you prepare ahead of time and get some help, you are more likely to succeed.” said Valerie Saiki, Coordinator for Tobacco-Free Kaua‘i. “We help smokers who are preparing to quit by providing quit kits and ‘Smoker Talk,’ a booklet of local stories from Kaua‘i smokers, former smokers and their families, along with promoting the free services of the Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline.”
Hawai‘i moms and women making the commitment to be smoke-free are more likely to succeed when they employ simple steps such as:
• Set a quit date ahead of time — like Mother’s Day — and stick to it.
• Get rid of cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters ahead of your quit date.
• Set up a support group with friends or family that will help you through the process.
For more information on the Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.clearthesmoke.org. For a quit kit or a Smokers Talk booklet, contact Valerie Saiki at (808) 346-3950 or e-mail TobaccoFreeKauai@gmail.com.
