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*Tips From Former Smokers* ®


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James F.’s Story						Español (Spanish)							Print
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										JamesMeet James F.James started smoking menthol cigarettes at age 14 in an attempt to be like his father. Thirty years later he decided to quit and adopt a much healthier lifestyle.
Now 48, James has been smokefree for 2 years and has made other important changes to improve his health. He became an avid cyclist and rides up to 10 miles every day for exercise. He also enjoys swimming and does some sort of cardio exercise every morning. He says if you smoke, you should quit.On This Page
			James F.'s VideosJames F.'s BiographyAdditional ResourcesMore Related Stories
		
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Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal iconJames F.’s VideosJames F.'s: “I Can't Be Diabetic and Smoke Too”Low Resolution Video
When James was told he had diabetes, he knew he had to stop smoking in order to better manage his health. His healthcare provider told him that he needed to exercise more, and he found that smoking cigarettes made exercising difficult. For James, this became an important reason to quit smoking for good. This video is part of CDC’s campaign, *Tips From Former Smokers*®.James F.'s StoryLow Resolution Video
James started smoking menthol cigarettes as a kid to be like his father. He discusses his father’s health problems and their relationship in this video from CDC’s *Tips From Former Smokers* campaign.James F.'s: “No, I Won't Buy You Smokes”Low Resolution Video
You never know when a decision you make could undermine your efforts to quit smoking. James describes a moment he had with his roommate after he had resolved to stop smoking cigarettes. James realized the potential for relapse, and took steps to make sure that it didn’t happen. This video is part of CDC’s campaign, *Tips From Former Smokers*®.Cessation Tips AdLow Resolution Video
You can quit smoking! This inspiring TV ad features Beatrice R., James F., and Wilma S. — three people who successfully quit smoking after many years. They share their practical tips on how to quit for good in this commercial from CDC’s *Tips From Former Smokers*® campaign.On This Page
			James F.'s VideosJames F.'s BiographyAdditional ResourcesMore Related Stories
		
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 iconPersons with disabilities experiencing problems accessing these videos should contact CDC-INFO at CDC-INFO email form: https://www.cdc.gov/info, 800-232-4636 or the TTY number at (888) 232-6348 and ask for a 508 Accommodation PR#9342. If emailing please type “508 Accommodation PR#9342” without quotes in the subject line of the email. Please include the URL of the site in the Subject line of your email request that you would like to access.
View more *Tips*videos sorted by name, disease and specific groups
View the *Tips*YouTube video playlistTop of PageJames F.’s Biography
James’ father was well-liked and influential in the community. He also smoked menthol cigarettes. So James’ attempts to be more like his father naturally included smoking menthol cigarettes, starting at age 14. He recalled that the other African American kids he knew who smoked also used menthol cigarettes. But 30 years later, the damage from smoking started causing him health problems, and eventually James decided to quit.
James
Now 48, James has been smokefree for 2 years. He says quitting was hard—patches and sugar-free gum helped him—but his health continues to be a big motivator. Since he quit smoking, James has been able to make other important changes to improve his health. He became an avid cyclist, and began riding several miles to see his doctor at the VA hospital, “...a real accomplishment for me.” Now that he sees a doctor closer to his home, he still makes a point to ride 9 or 10 miles every day for exercise. He also enjoys swimming and does some sort of cardio exercise every morning.
James wanted to participate in the *Tips From Former Smokers*® campaign to send a message to people who think smoking isn’t going to hurt them just because they haven’t experienced a smoking-related health problem yet. He says if you smoke, you should quit.
“I want to help people like me quit smoking—people in their 40s. Maybe nothing really bad has happened to them yet,” says James. “Maybe you’re lucky, but you’re probably not going to stay lucky.”
Top of PageAdditional Resourcesmenthol cigarettesMenthol CigarettesGet the Factspharmacist with patientQuit Smoking MedicinesTop of PageMore Related Stories
More Real Stories about people who have quit smoking:Angie P.Meet Angie P.BeatriceMeet Beatrice R.John B.Meet John B.Rico F.Meet Rico F.Tiffany R.Meet Tiffany R.Wilma S.Meet Wilma S.See all *Tips*Participant StoriesTop of Page
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  July 26, 2023						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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