SMOKING
Tobacco smoke affects everyone – NOT just the smoker
SECONDHAND SMOKE is the smoke from the burning end of the cigarette and the smoke that a smoker blows out into the air. It can cause serious health problems, including the worsening of asthma and lung cancer in healthy non-smokers.
CHILDREN are more likely to develop:
- asthma and allergies, bronchitis, colds, coughs, sore throats, ear infections, pneumonia, and reduced lung function.
- more frequent asthma symptoms, more severe asthma attacks, and usually need to take more medication to control their asthma symptoms.
ADULTS can develop:
- heart disease
- worsening of asthma
- coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort and reduced lung function
- red, itchy and/or watery eyes
PREGNANCY:
- Babies are 3 times more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome if their mothers smoke during and after pregnancy.
HOW TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR CHILD SMOKE-FREE
- Do not allow people to smoke inside of your house.
- Tell your guests that for the sake of your and your family’s health you cannot allow smoking in your home.
- Offer vegetable sticks, gum, fruit, or mints as an alternative to smoking.
- If your guests must smoke, ask them to go outside of the house or building.
- Blowing smoke away, going into another room to smoke, or opening a window will not protect children or others from the dangers of secondhand smoke, since smoke can spread to other rooms through ventilation ducts or when you open and close doors.
SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM at UIC
- Individual and group sessions are available to help people stop smoking.
- Where: University of Illinois at Chicago Nutrition and Wellness Clinic
1801 W. Taylor 1st Floor
For more information please call Lori Wilken, PharmD at (312) 996-3631 and leave your name and phone number.
Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Center. University of Illinois at Chicago
Tel: (312) 996-6714 Fax: (312) 413-8694
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