Father's Day is June 21, and the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers support and resources for dads who want to take the first step toward a healthier life by quitting tobacco.
The Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), provides FREE resources proven to increase the chances of quitting tobacco and remaining tobacco free.
About one in seven (14.8%) Oklahoma men currently smoke. This increases the risk of cardiovascular and circulatory health issues, respiratory disease and chronic conditions such as diabetes and vision loss. Secondhand smoke harms everyone, but it is especially dangerous for children because their developing lungs make them more vulnerable to asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections and long-term health problems.
"Both my parents smoked, so tobacco was simply part of everyday life,” said Brian, a father and former smoker from Claremore who quit with the Helpline. “When I saw cigarette smoke blowing into my daughter’s face during a car ride, I decided right then and there to give quitting an honest try.”
This Father’s Day, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is sharing a few tips to encourage dads and their families:
- Avoid places where smoking or vaping is allowed
- Keep your home and car 100% tobacco free
- Talk to your children early on about the dangers of tobacco
- Ask your children about their friends’ attitudes toward smoking and discuss how to handle peer pressure
Talking with kids early can make a big difference. Tobacco Stops With Me, a program of TSET, offers FREE resources to help parents have these important conversations. Visit TalkAboutTobacco.com for easy conversation starters, tips and tools for every age group.
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers free, personalized help to fit your needs and schedule, including:
- A supply of free patches, gum or lozenges
- One-on-one Coaching
- A personalized quit plan
- 24/7 support by phone, text or online
To get started, call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com. Follow the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or @OKhelpline on Instagram for tips and encouragement.
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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Since 2003, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations and is consistently ranked among the top quitlines by the North American Quitline Consortium. Visit OKhelpline.com to learn more.
Tobacco Stops With Me is a statewide campaign, funded through the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust, that provides an efficient, emotional and highly recognizable tobacco-free message for Oklahomans to rally around. By educating the public about the negative effects and impact of tobacco, the goal of Tobacco Stops With Me is to prevent and reduce tobacco use, improving the health and quality of life for all Oklahomans. Tobacco Stops With Me aims to inspire individuals to make positive changes — not only for their own health, but for the health of the entire state as well. Free resources and more information at StopsWithMe.com.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health
