A Smoker's Wake Up Call

Research studies continue to show the harmful effects on babies and young children of breathing the air in homes where there are people who smoke regularly. 21 month old K was 6 months of age when he entered the program. I was concerned that both parents were chronic smokers. We discussed over many months the impact their smoking was having on the children. On a regular basis I would carry information on the health risk of smoking. When K's Mom became pregnant, my concerns were elevated. One evening while watching the news, I learned that an informative special on smoking was being aired that evening. I immediately called K's Mom and asked her to watch this program. When I arrived at K's home several days later, his parents informed me that they had watched the program. K's Mom proceeded to quote statistics and information about cancer-causing substances in the smoke from cigarettes. Mom and Dad decided at that moment that they would stop smoking, not only for their children but for themselves. As of this week K's parents have been smoke free for two months!

JNM