Help Mom Go Smokefree This Mother's Day!

A Gift of American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking(R) Online Could Help You Celebrate Many More Mother's Days

WASHINGTON, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in America, and its toll on women -- including mothers --is tragic. This Mother's Day, the American Lung Association suggests that a membership to Freedom From Smoking® Online (www.ffsonline.org) could be the gift that not only lasts a lifetime, but can lead to a longer, healthier lifetime.

Many women underestimate the damage smoking does to their health.  Each year more than 170,000 U.S. women die from smoking-caused diseases.  While lung cancer death rates are decreasing for men, lung cancer death rates have yet to decline among women.  Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer is not the leading cancer cause of death among women – it's lung cancer.  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is primarily caused by smoking, is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S., and it affects women more than men.

Helping more Americans quit smoking remains a top public health priority for the American Lung Association. Freedom From Smoking® Online is a highly successful, self-paced program that's available 24 hours a day, and provides the tools and support that can help your mom (or anyone else) quit for good.   Research shows that people who use programs like Freedom From Smoking® Online have greater success in quitting for good, compared to those who try to quit "cold turkey."  

"Quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of her life.  You can also save a considerable amount of money," said Charles D. Connor, American Lung Association President and CEO. "Helping your mother kick the habit is one of the best ways to make sure your mother is around long enough to become a grandmother."

Additional reasons to mark Mother's Day by quitting smoking:  

• Moms who don't smoke have an easier time keeping up with their kids!
• Mothers who smoke are more likely to end up with kids who smoke.
• One of the best ways for moms to make sure their kids don't smoke is to quit smoking themselves.
• Secondhand smoke from mom can affect the health of the whole family.
• If you smoke, the best gift you could give your mom is a smokefree you. Consider joining Freedom from Smoking® Online yourself!  
• Helping mom quit this Mother's Day can help you celebrate many more Mother's Days together.  

To learn how to give Freedom From Smoking® Online as a gift to your mom go to www.ffsonline.org/mothersday.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.  

SOURCE American Lung Association