Today Show and American Legacy Foundation(R) Team Up to Help Smokers Cal...( Today Calls It Quits aims to pr...),Health

"Today Calls It Quits aims to provide parents who smoke with every tool in the arsenal they need to quit," said Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC's Chief Medical Editor. "Nicotine addiction impacts not only their own health but that of their children so we hope our viewers who smoke will be motivated by this series, follow the lead of the smokers we profile and finally quit for good."

"Quitting smoking is the single most important lifestyle change you can make," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "Parents are role models for their children, so if they smoke, their children are twice as likely to smoke as well. Secondhand smoke and its residue negatively affect young children especially, so we are thrilled to be working with Today on this important series to help families lead healthier, tobacco-free lives."

Recent research from the Social Climate Survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Mississippi State University in November, 2008, indicates that:

• 63.4% of smoking parents reported that their child had been exposed to any secondhand smoke in the past week.
• Only half (53.5%) of parents who smoke prohibit smoking inside of their home.
• When asked about exposure in their home and car specifically, 27% and 21% reported that their child had been exposed to secondhand smoke in their home and vehicle in the past week, respectively.
• Compare that to only 4.3% and 1% of nonsmoking parents, and one can see a clear disparity.

Young children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections, and cavities. Infants are at a higher risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The Today Calls It Quits series will air on January 29 and 30 with o
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