COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is getting the word out to pregnant women that there is free help available if they want to quit smoking and the use of tobacco.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, over 100,000 babies have died in the last 50 years from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as well as other issues that have been linked to parental smoking.
Women’s disease risks from smoking have risen over the last 50 years as well. Rates of smoking among pregnant women have risen in Michigan from 16 percent in 2008 to over 18 percent in 2014.
Quitting smoking is difficult because the nicotine contained in cigarettes is very addictive, but there are resources available to help such as the Michigan Tobacco Quitline.
Pregnant women can call the Quitline directly at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), and health care providers can refer women to the Quitline.
For more information, you can call Kelley Mapes at the Community Health Agency at 279-9561 extension 0103 or call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline.
