Scared of secondhand smoke!

Should I be worried about my lungs? Both my parents smoke and whenever I smell it I have to go outside for a few minutes to get as much fresh air as I can.


How will their habit affect me? I’m worried, help! 


Hey girl!

I was 100% in your place a few years ago! My parents both smoked and I didn’t know what to do. I was worried about both my health AND my parents’ health! You’re smart to care for your bod now—it’ll pay off in the future!


'Fess up!

Mom and pops love ya and would never want you to feel sick. Next time they smoke around you and you have to leave the room, tell them why. They’ll see how their smoking is hurting you, and you can talk to them about how you’re feeling. Ask them if they can light up outside the house when you're around.


Help the 'rents make healthy habits 

If their smoking really bothers you, you could also try to get them to say sayonara to the cigs for good. After you've talked it out with them, suggest healthy activities like taking a walk around your neighborhood sans cigarettes (ta-da! The fresh air you were looking for!). Make sure the 'rents know how much you care for their health and well-being and urge them to stop smoking forever. They may not know that this effects you so much, so once they see how much you care they might be more willing to give it up.


Don't ever feel pressured to puff

Smoking is a habit that you absolutely don’t have to form if you don’t want to. It sounds like you're already smart enough to not want to smoke and that’s the BEST decision! Remember, your parents’ decision to light up is their own. If their smoking still bothers you, talk to your doc about it. He or she will know what to say to your parents to make sure you’re BOTH happy and healthy!


XO,
Sammy D
 

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12/13/2009 7:00:00 AM
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