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										Know the FactsMore than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. For every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Taking care of someone living with an illness or disability may include helping them with one or more activities important for daily living, such as bathing and dressing, paying bills, shopping, and providing transportation. It also may involve emotional support and help with managing a chronic disease or disability.
In the United States, 1 in 5 adults provide regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability.*Learn what percent of people currently smokes cigarettes, both in the United States overall and among specific population groups.Caregiving SupportCaregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. Stress from these demands can cause the caregiver to develop health problems, including sleep problems and appetite changes, and lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or even loneliness. About half of caregivers don’t get enough restful, continuous sleep, which, in turn, can affect quality of life. If you are a caregiver, it is important to care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
**Stay Physically Healthy**
Don’t use tobacco. If you smoke, try to quit. Stay away from other people’s smoke.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Keep a healthy weight.
Be physically active.
Get enough restful sleep.
Get health checkups regularly.
Get a flu shot every year.**Stay Mentally and Emotionally Healthy**
Reach out to family members, friends, those who share your faith, or a support group for emotional support.
Stay active. Regular physical activity is linked to lower rates of depression.
Find time to relax. Take at least 15-30 minutes each day to do something for yourself. For example, try to make time for a nap, exercise, yard work, a hobby, watching TV or a movie, or whatever you find relaxing. Do gentle exercises, such as stretching or yoga. Or, take deep breaths or just sit still for a minute.
Don’t neglect your personal life. Cut back on personal activities, but do not cut them out entirely. For example, look for easy ways to connect with friends.
Keep up your routine. If you can, try to keep doing some of your regular activities. If you don’t, studies show that it can increase the stress you feel. You may have to do things at a different time of day or for less time than you normally would, but try to still do them.
Ask for help. Find larger chunks of “off-duty” time by asking for help. Find things others can do or arrange for you, such as appointments or errandsƗ.These additional resources from CDC are available for people taking care of a loved one with an illness or disability:
Caring for Yourself When Caring for Another
Care Plans Help Both Older Adults and Caregivers
Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health IssueReal Stories: Caregivers Featured in *Tips*®Learn the real stories of people taking care of loved ones living with a smoking-related disease or disability.
Dana**Meet Dana S.** Dana, age 38, lives in North Carolina and began smoking as a young teenager. She helped care for her mother, *Tips* participant Terrie, through Terrie’s battle with smoking-related cancer.
Denise**Meet Denise H.** Denise, age 66, lives in Texas. She never smoked, but her husband, *Tips* participant Brian H., smoked for years. She has taken care of him through his smoking-related heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Leonard**Meet Leonard N**. Leonard, famous for his role as Spock in *Star Trek*, lived in California and started smoking as a teenager. He quit smoking 37 years later, but his lungs were badly damaged. Leonard died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Stephen**Meet Stephen B.** Stephen, age 63, lives in Texas and is married to Elizabeth B. When Elizabeth developed peripheral artery disease (PAD), they had to give up things they enjoyed. On days when Elizabeth feels like she can’t walk another step, Stephen encourages her and walks with her.On This Page
			Know the FactsReal Stories: Caregivers Featured in *Tips*®Caregiving SupportReferences
		
Denise H., age 66, took care of her husband, *Tips* participant Brian H., through years of treatments for his smoking-related heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Eventually she had to quit her job to care for him full-time. To avoid burning out, Denise found ways to relieve her stress, like going for a walk and working out at the gym. Brian died in 2022 at age 68 after suffering from smoking-related health problems for more than 30 years.
*“Find at least an hour and do what you want, otherwise you’ll go crazy.”*Learn more about all of the *Tips* participants in our **Real Stories** section.Caregiving SupportCaregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. Stress from these demands can cause caregivers to develop health problems, including sleep problems and appetite changes, and lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or even loneliness. About half of caregivers don’t get enough restful, continuous sleep, which, in turn, can affect quality of life. If you are a caregiver, it is important to care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
**Stay Physically Healthy**
Don’t use tobacco. If you smoke, try to quit. Stay away from other people’s smoke.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Keep a healthy weight.
Be physically active.
Get enough restful sleep.
Get health checkups regularly.
Get a flu shot every year.**Stay Mentally and Emotionally Healthy**
Reach out to family members, friends, those who share your faith, or a support group for emotional support.
Stay active. Regular physical activity is linked to lower rates of depression.
Find time to relax. Take at least 15-30 minutes each day to do something for yourself. For example, try to make time for a nap, exercise, yard work, a hobby, watching TV or a movie, or whatever you find relaxing. Do gentle exercises, such as stretching or yoga. Or take deep breaths or just sit still for a minute.
Don’t neglect your personal life. Cut back on personal activities, but do not cut them out entirely. For example, look for easy ways to connect with friends.
Keep up your routine. If you can, try to keep doing some of your regular activities. If you don’t, studies show that it can increase the stress you feel. You may have to do things at a different time of day or for less time than you normally would, but try to still do them.
Ask for help. Find larger chunks of “off-duty” time by asking for help. Find things others can do or arrange for you, such as appointments or errands.ƗThese additional resources from CDC are available for people taking care of a loved one with an illness or disability:
Caring for Yourself When Caring for Another
Care Plans Help Both Older Adults and Caregivers
Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health Issue
Free Quitting ResourcesTelephone
1-800-QUIT-NOW
1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)
1-800-838-8917 (中文)
1-800-556-5564 (한국어)
1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt)Smartphone Apps/Text
Text QUITNOW to 333888—Message and data rates may apply
quitSTART appexternal iconWeb
Quit Smoking (En Español)
Smokefree.govexternal icon (En Español)
Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal icon
Free Quitting ResourcesTelephone
1-800-QUIT-NOW
1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)
1-800-838-8917 (中文)
1-800-556-5564 (한국어)
1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt)
Smartphone Apps/Text
Text QUITNOW to 333888—Message and data rates may apply
quitSTART appexternal iconWeb
Quit Smoking (En Español)
Smokefree.govexternal icon (En Español)
Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal iconFree Quitting ResourcesWeb
Quit Smoking (En Español)
Smokefree.govexternal icon (En Español)Smartphone Apps/Text
Text QUITNOW to 333888—Message and data rates may apply
quitSTART appexternal icon—tips, information, and challenges to help you quitTelephone
1-800-QUIT-NOW
1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)
Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal icon
1-800-838-8917 (中文)
1-800-556-5564 (한국어)
1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt)
Real Stories: Caregivers Featured in *Tips*®Learn the real stories of people taking care of loved ones living with a smoking-related disease or disability.
	DeniseDenise H., age 66, has taken care of her husband, *Tips* participant Brian H., through years of treatments for his smoking-related heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Eventually she had to quit her job to care for him full-time. To avoid burning out, Denise found ways to relieve her stress, like going for a walk and working out at the gym.*“Find at least an hour and do what you want, otherwise you'll go crazy.”*
**More Real Stories about caregivers:**
Dana S.Leonard N.
Learn more about all of the *Tips* participants in our **Real Stories** section.

References* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health Issue. Data collected from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2015 – 2017. [Page last reviewed: 2019 Oct 10. Page accessed: 2022 December 5].
Ɨ National Cancer Institute. Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients. [Page updated: 2022 December 2. Page accessed: 2022 December 5].Top of Page
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  February 5, 2024						Source: 	Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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