CDC Launches “Tips from Former Smokers” Campaign

Post written by guest blogger Kim Hageman, author of survivingoshkosh.com

On March 15, 2012, the Center for Disease Control’s Office on Smoking and Health launched a groundbreaking campaign to show the long term suffering caused by smoking. Called “Tips from Former Smokers”, the campaign demonstrates what it is like to “live” with the adverse effects of smoking.
 
Stomas, lung removal, heart attack, limb amputation and paralysis from stroke are just some of the horrible health effects these people have to deal with. Some people who are diagnosed with these life-altering conditions are less than 40 when they began suffering from very real health declines.
 
On a positive note, the campaign also serves to express that people can quit. By listening to tips from former smokers, the CDC is sending a strong reason to quit, as well as directing people to tools which will help them to succeed. Free resources are available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or going to www.smokefree.gov. While smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, this new campaign will show what life might look like for those who continue to smoke.
 
For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm.