Support and Caring Can Help
Posted: August 1, 2012
Does your loved one use tobacco? It can be a touchy and difficult subject to talk about. Sometimes, a well-timed word or event can get the ball rolling.
The following suggestions can help.
- Talk about it. Go ahead. Say, “I’m worried about your coughing. I love you and I want you to be healthy.”
- Explain the dangers of secondhand on others, especially children and pets. Ask them to light up outside.
- Remind them of how well they did during their last quit attempt. Tell them that it usually takes more than one try to make it stick.
- Leave mints on their pillow with a note that says, “Smoking stinks.”
- Keep track of illnesses and show them your records the next time they get sick.
- Buy whitening toothpaste.
- Offer gum when you see them smoke.
- Include a card in their lunch, reminding them of how much you care and are worried.
- Make a joke to start a conversation about quitting. Example: "The tobacco industry reports that it provides jobs for 57,000 Americans. This does not include physicians, X-ray technicians, nurses, hospital employees, firefighters, dry cleaners, respiratory specialists, pharmacists, morticians, and gravediggers."
- Calculate the amount of money they spend on cigarettes. Make a list of other ways the money could be used.
- Make a Top 10 Wish List of the things you want this year. Start with "See you quit smoking."
- Finally, when you or your loved one is ready, visit Penn State Extension in Pike County, 514 Broad Street, Milford PA, or call (570) 296-3400, for counseling, support, and nicotine replacement.
This program is free, thanks to a grant from Tobacco Free Northeast PA Burn Prevention Network, funded by the PA Department of Health.
