If you are a smoker, like more than 18% of adults in Louisiana, and are in a relationship with someone who smokes, what better way to show one another you care than by quitting smoking together.
Studies have shown that among married couples, partners often share similar characteristics and behaviors. Among those who smoke cigarettes, it is not uncommon for them to have a partner who also smokes. In fact, having a partner who smokes can influence a spouse’s decision to start smoking, or return to smoking after having previously quit. It is also possible that a nonsmoking partner can influence his or her spouse to stop smoking.
“Many smoking couples cite that they find it easier to quit when they don’t have to continually smell cigarette smoke in the home or the car, or see their partner lighting up,” says Mike Rogers, CEO of Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services. “Valentine’s Day could ideally become a day where couples who share the nicotine habit and are looking to do something especially nice for their partner, could vow to support each other’s quit efforts, so they can live to see many more Valentine’s Days. After all, the gift of good health is the best gift of all.”
According to the 2021 America’s Health Rankings® report, 18.3% of Louisiana’s adult population smokes (down from 21.9%). While quitting is hard, there are immediate benefits for couples who stop smoking, including return to heart rate and blood pressure normality, improved circulation, improved lung function, and improved smell and taste. Long-term benefits to non-smokers include reducing the chance of dying prematurely from smoking related diseases by 60%, a lower risk of stroke, and improvement in overall physical appearance.
“To date, the Smoking Cessation Trust has helped more than 120,000 Louisianans quit their nicotine habit,” added Rogers. “It is our hope that Feb. 14 can also someday be known as the day that couples decide to walk down the path to quitting cigarettes together.”
For more information on the free products and services provided by the Trust and how you might apply, call the Smoking Cessation Trust at (504) 529-5665 or toll-free at (855) 259-6346.