One in three cigarette smokers dies early because of their addiction. They die of heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema. What's more, research shows that secondhand smoke, the smoke from other people's cigarettes, can harm the health of nonsmokers. Inhaling another person's smoke can cause many respiratory problems in children and cancer and heart disease in adults.

Cigarettes are so much a part of the American scene that many people think of them as "normal." They are easy to buy and inexpensive compared to other drugs. But cigarettes aren't normal. They are highly addictive and cause disease and death. They are illegal to use in many places, and it is illegal for minors to purchase them in most parts of the U.S. The trend now is for public places and work places to go smokefree, encouraging smokers to make the move to quit and keep everyone's lungs healthier.

WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR SMOKERS WHO DECIDE TO QUIT?

Join a stop-smoking program like Freedom From SmokingŪ Clinic. The program gives participants a wealth of ideas on how to quit for good. The clinic is an eight-week smoking cessation support program researched and developed by the American Lung Association. Individuals can significantly increase their chances of successfully quitting smoking in a supportive environment.

Look into the different kinds of self-help options available to smokers. These include Freedom From Smoking guidebooks, videotapes and audiotapes. All of these materials are also available from the American Lung Association. Another option for those wanting to quit is Freedom From SmokingŪ Online, an internet-based smoking cessation program for those who do not wish to participate in a group program.

QUIT SMOKING OPTIONS FOR TEENS

Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) is a state-of-the-art program specifically designed for teenagers who want to quit smoking. The program was developed by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with researchers at the West Virginia University. This voluntary, free, ten-session program helps teens stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke, which is often the first step in quitting entirely.

The program also offers specific help with tough problems like nicotine withdrawal and how to manage its symptoms to prevent relapses. N-O-T deals with issues that matter to teens, such as how to control weight after quitting and how to cope with friends and family who smoke. Call 800-LUNG-USA/(586-4872) to discover if there is a N-O-T program in your community.

TALK WITH OUR REGISTERED NURSES AND RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS

The American Lung Association Lung HelpLine is staffed with registered nurses, respiratory therapists and tobacco cessation specialists who will take the time to answer questions about quitting smoking in a confidential and compassionate manner. Our professional HelpLine staff help place callers at ease and encourage an open dialogue on smoking cessation. Call (800) LUNG-USA/(586-4872) to talk to one of our medical staff.