Let's Tackle SMOKING & VAPING

Ways to quit and get help

Our goal is to increase the number of students in grades 9-12 who try to quit tobacco
products by 10%. by the end of the 2021-2022 school year

If you currently smoke or know of someone who smokes and is trying to quit, help them

by being there for them. You can help these individuals by getting them help. Quitting smoking

is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his or

her life. Stopping this addictive habit can be tough but it’s easier when you’re not trying to do it

all by yourself.

If you are a smoking yourself and are trying to quit, here is some information and steps to

help you. The first advice is to call the quit line, you will be assigned a coach to help you for

free over the phone. These coaches are highly trained quit coaches and all information remains

confidential. These coaches speak different languages, so don’t let that be your excuse! Once you

speak to a quit coach, they will help you to create a plan that will work for you. This coach will

listen to what you have to say, encourage and support you as well as provide you helpful tips. If

needed. the quit coach can provide you with medicines to help you in the process. Your coach

will also provide you with helpful tips like “how to deal with cravings and withdrawal, how to

get the right kind of help from your friends and family. They can also share websites, apps, and

texting programs that can aid in helping you quit. They can also help you decide whether to use

quit-smoking medication and how to use it” (CDC, 2021).

Your coach will help you with setbacks should they occur. “Quitlines are proven to

increase your chances of quitting successfully and staying quit. A quit coach will work with you
 to develop a plan that is personalized for your need” (CDC, 2021).

Quit lines can also help parents of kids who are smoking. They can help parents learn the

dangers of smoking so that they may help their children see the dangers. Parents can also use the

hot line as a preventative measure in helping to prevent their child from starting to smoke. As a

parent, caregiver, or guardian you want to be honest and direct with your child that you do not

want them to start smoking or vaping. “Give them clear, consistent messages about the risks of

these products. Tell them all the different products this includes, and if they aren't sure—ask”

(“Tips for Talking to Kids About Smoking”,2020). It is recommended to start speaking to your

child as early as year as 5 or 6 years old and keep the conversation going through their high

school years. Explain to them the unpleasant physical aspects that are associated with smoking

like bad breath, discolored teeth and nails and much more. If you are preaching this to your child

it’s important that as the parent, caregiver, or guardian you yourself don’t smoke. You need to

set a good example. If you are a parent, caregiver, or guardian that smokes, the best thing you

can do for yourself and your child is quit. If you are in the middle of quitting, don’t smoke

around your child. You should be an advocate for tobacco free schools and tobacco curriculum in

schools. Scope out your child friends and see if anyone of them smoke. If they do make sure to

talk to your own child about different ways to not cave to peer pressures and teach them refusal

skills. (“Tips for Talking to Kids About Smoking”,2020)

Thinking of quitting or helping someone else quit?

Here are some important numbers to pass along.
FREE Quit Help
Call to Talk to a Quit Smoking Coach Today!
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

In Spanish: In Asian languages: Korean:

1-855-DÉJELO-YA Mandarin and 1-800-556-5564
(1-855-335-3569 Cantonese: Vietnamese:
1-800-838-8917 1-800-778-8440
References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 9). Five Reasons Why Calling a
Quitline Can Be Key to Your Success. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quitline/index.html.

Tips for Talking to Kids About Smoking. American Lung Association. (2020, March 19).
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/helping-teens-quit/tips-for-talking-to-kids.