Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people are more likely to successfully kick the habit when people in their social network, such as friends, co-workers, siblings, and spouses, do the same.

For example, when a husband or wife quit smoking, their spouses were 67% less likely to smoke. People with a friend who quit smoking were 36% less likely to smoke themselves. In smaller companies, employees are 34% less likely to smoke when a co-worker quits. Those with a brother or sister who quit were 25% less likely to smoke.

“This research shows how people influence one another’s smoking behaviour,” says Cameron Bishop of The Canadian Lung Association. “When one person quits smoking, it can have a powerful ripple effect on their friends, family members and co-workers.”

For Gail Francis, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, the decision to quit smoking with a loved one was pivotal to her success. “Quitting together is very powerful. If it weren’t for my partner Louise, I would have smoked one thousand times. That’s because when you give someone your word, you’d better stick to it,” says Gail, who quit with Louise Steeves on Nov. 11, 2008.

“Having Gail quit with me made a huge difference. If I was tempted to smoke, she talked me down and would remind me of how far I have come,” adds Louise, who turned to exercise, instead of cigarettes.

Now 125 pounds lighter and training for her first half-marathon, Louise has noticed a marked improvement in her asthma since she quit. “At my most recent appointment with the asthma clinic, I had the best breathing test results in my life! My asthma is also so much better controlled.”

Christie Kane and Dan Perley of Sooke, British Columbia, made the decision to stop smoking together. Now they want to inspire other members of their community to quit smoking. “If we can quit, anybody can!”

Tania Hubler quit smoking with her sister-in-law Jill Hubler on August 4, 2008. “Quitting smoking was the beginning of a transformation in my life,” says Tania. “In fact, I inspired four other women in my office to quit. One of them told me that I was one of the heaviest smokers she knew. So when she heard that I quit, she decided she would, too.

“When you’re able to show others that quitting is do-able, it definitely helps you, too. Knowing that my quitting has helped inspire others to stop smoking has strengthened my resolve to stay quit. You really don’t want to let the others (who have quit) down.”

Source
The Lung Association

Parents of children with asthma should monitor their child’s health closely for signs of influenza. Symptoms of influenza include:

- Sudden onset of high fever
- Headache, muscle aches and joint pain
- Cough (usually dry)
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion and runny nose

If your child experiences these symptoms-or exhibits signs of worsening asthma-contact your health care provider immediately. If a child with asthma does become sick with the flu, they should continue taking their normal medications, unless recommended otherwise by their healthcare provider.

Remember these tips to protect your health and prevent spread of the flu:

- Get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
- Remember to cover your nose and mouth with your arm when you cough or sneeze.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective when washing is not possible.
- Avoid large crowds if possible. Ask family and friends to be mindful of your higher risk and not expose you to their sickness if they are ill.
- The CDC recommends staying home if you have flu like symptoms for seven days or until you are clear of symptoms for 24 hours.
- Always watch for public health advisories, as these recommendations may change.

For those with asthma, please remember to refer to and maintain your Asthma Action Plan as necessary. The American Lung Association has a template you can download to create your Asthma Action Plan here.

For Related information about Influenza and H1N1 please visit:

http://www.lungusa.org

http://www.facesofinfluenza.org

http://www.flu.gov

Source
American Lung Association