Quit Smoking on Father's Day and Be a Better Role Model

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - June 13, 2007) - From the time they're born, children are influenced by their moms and dads, for better or worse. For dads who smoke, Father's Day is a great day to become a better role model by quitting smoking.

"Choosing Father's Day to quit smoking is an opportunity to teach your children the importance of a healthy lifestyle, improve your health and save some money too," said Gary Tedeschi, PhD, clinical director, the California Smokers' Helpline, 1-800-NO-BUTTS. "A father who smokes a pack a day will save nearly $1,600 in his first year of quitting, and nearly $8,000 in just five years."

Fathers can double their chances to quit smoking by calling 1-800-NO-BUTTS, a free, professional and confidential telephone service for anyone living in California, whether they are currently addicted to tobacco, have already quit or want information for a friend or relative. The service offers counseling in six different languages on the different ways to stop smoking and quit chewing tobacco.

"Nearly 80 percent of California smokers want to break their addiction," said Tedeschi. "Telephone counseling offers many advantages to those trying to quit tobacco use including privacy, accessibility and affordability. And, it works."

Studies conducted by 1-800-NO-BUTTS have shown that smokers who used the telephone counseling service were twice as likely to quit smoking as those who tried to quit on their own.

In addition to telephone counseling, 1-800-NO-BUTTS offers quitting information, advice and resources on its Web site, www.NoButts.org. It also recommends www.TobaccoFreeCA.com, a resource for quitting smoking and eliminating tobacco everywhere in our daily lives.

"While most smokers know the effects of smoking, the benefits of quitting are often overshadowed," said Tedeschi. "Yet, understanding the body's ability to repair some of the damage caused by smoking often motivates smokers trying to quit."

Research shows there are many benefits of quitting smoking, even during day one.

Within 20 minutes:
  Blood pressure decreases, and the pulse slows to its normal rate.
  Temperature in the hands and feet increases to normal.

Within 8 hours:
  Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal, and oxygen level
  increases.

Within 24 hours:
  Breath, hair and skin stop smelling like smoke. The chance of having
  a future heart attack starts decreasing.

Within 48 hours:
  Damaged nerve endings begin to recover. As a result, sense of taste
  and smell begin to improve.

Within 72 hours:
  The body is virtually free of nicotine. The bronchial tubes relax,
  making it easier to breathe.

Within 2 weeks to 3 months:
  The lungs can hold more air. Exercise becomes easier. Circulation
  improves.

Within 1 year:
  Coughing, congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia
  are better able to clean lungs and prevent infection. Overall energy
  increases.

After 1 year:
  The risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

After 5 years:
  The risk of having a stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker.

After 10 years:
  The risk of developing lung cancer is cut in half. The risk of other
  cancers decreases significantly.

After 15 years:
  The risk of coronary heart disease drops, usually to the level of
  someone who never smoked.

Contact Information: Contact: Kirsten Hansen California Smokers' Helpline (858) 300-1012