As a result, most states have enacted laws limiting smoking in public places. Clearly, people with respiratory or heart conditions and older adults in general are at special health risk when exposed to secondhand smoke. Infants are three times more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome if their mothers smoke during and after pregnancy. Children younger than 1 year who are exposed to smoke have a higher frequency of admissions to hospitals for respiratory illness than children of parents who do not smoke. Secondhand smoke increases a child's risk of getting ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or tonsillitis.
Many smokers yearn to stop, but find it hard because of nicotine's powerful addictive hold.
In fact, most people will need more than one attempt before they successfully stop. Examine the wide range of self-help materials available from the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, your physician and your library. Look into smoking-cessation programs. Talk to ex- smokers. Find out how they stopped and what they found helpful.