Celebrate Mother’s Day with the gift of health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 6, 2016

LAS VEGAS – This Mother’s Day, the Southern Nevada Health District encourages moms to give the gift of health to themselves and their children by quitting tobacco use. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, 13.7 percent of Nevada women smoke and 5.1 percent of women in Nevada smoke during pregnancy. Children from families who smoke are twice as likely to become smokers themselves, and two of five children between the ages of 3 and 11 are exposed to secondhand smoke. Nevada Moms can access local cessation resources and more by visiting Get Healthy Clark County for information and assistance to help them quit tobacco. Moms can also call the Nevada Tobacco Quitline, 1-800 QUIT NOW for FREE help quitting all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The Quitline is also available in Spanish: 1-855-DÉJELO-YA.

It can take several attempts to quit smoking, and benefits kick in almost immediately. About 20 minutes after quitting, blood pressure/pulse rate return to normal. In 12 hours, blood oxygen levels increase to normal, and carbon monoxide levels drop to normal. After 48 hours, damaged nerve endings start to regenerate and the sense of taste and smell begin to return to normal.

By quitting smoking, mothers can have an immediate impact on their children. According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, women are now as likely as men to die from diseases caused by smoking, like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease. Approximately 86,000 children have lost their mothers to smoking-related illness across the United States.

In addition, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to start a conversation at home about being smoke free. Moms can:

• Maintain a smoke-free home and car
• Educate their children about the dangers of cigarette smoking
• Discuss how tobacco companies target young people and encourage them to smoke
• Emphasize the immediate benefits of quitting
• Ask their children about their views on smoking and their friends’ attitudes about smoking

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.