This Father’s Day, Be Tobacco Free

OKLAHOMA CITY – June 14, 2017 –  The influence of a father in the lives of his children is unparalleled. This Father’s Day, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline encourages fathers to take the first step to a healthier life for themselves and their families by quitting tobacco.

TSET Executive Director, John Woods, is no stranger to services offered by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. Woods, a father of three, decided to quit after realizing that his smoking habit impacted not only his own health, but also the health of his family.

“I have a wife, a step-son and two daughters, one of whom is a year old, to thank for the motivation to stay quit,” said Woods. “My youngest daughter will never have a memory of me smoking, and that’s an incredible feeling. I wouldn’t be the father I am today without the help of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.”

Woods has been tobacco free since utilizing the Helpline in 2006. To assist Oklahoma fathers on their quitting journey, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline connects registered users with specially trained Quit Coaches who provide non-judgmental support and help build customized Quit Plans. Free text and email support and free patches, gum or lozenges are available for Oklahoma tobacco users interested in quitting at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) and OKhelpline.com.

“I know my path is not unusual in Oklahoma, where nearly one in four adults smoke,” said Woods. “Children from families who smoke are twice as likely to become smokers themselves, and I could not let my habits affect the health of my family any longer.  My children know that the main reason for quitting was, and continues to be, being the best father possible.”

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to secondhand smoke, as their bodies and lungs have not yet fully developed. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia, low birth weight and more. This Father’s Day, families can support their fathers in maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle. Family and friends are encouraged to visit the “Help Someone Quit” page at OKhelpline.com for tips and advice to help loved ones quit tobacco.   

“With customizable, complimentary options and resources that can be tailored to your personal preferences and lifestyle, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is an invaluable resource for Oklahomans,” said Paola Klein, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline coordinator. “This Father’s Day, consider calling the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and give your family the gift of a healthy life.”

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.