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Smoking Confession Draws Reader Support
Editors' Note: ADVANCE Blogger Stephanie Scarbrough, RRT, confessed to her 14-year smoking habit in a recent post. (Read the post.) She finally beat the addiction then learned she was pregnant. In Scarbrough's blog, she asked for comments from readers. Here is what some of you had to say. Share your thoughts by emailing mbederka@advanceweb.com or commenting on the post.
I was a smoker for 12 years and quit while in respiratory school. I decided to start volunteering for the American Lung Association and teach tobacco prevention and cessation. Funny as it seems, during the first few classes, I never wanted a cigarette more in my life.
I am determined, though, and have been smoke-free for almost three years. I am also dedicated to the cause and know people can learn and feel comfort in their attempt with stories like yours and mine. I wish you all the best and encourage you to share your story with the people who are ready to begin their journey as a non-smoker.
-Kay Chamberlin, RRT
Tempe, Ariz.
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What's on Your Mind?
Letters to the editor can be up to 300 words and should include the writer's name, credentials, city, and state. Letters are subject to editing. Send to Co-Editor Mike Bederka at mbederka@advanceweb.com.
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Smoking is very complicated - physically, psychologically, and emotionally. You have made the best choice for you and your unborn baby and should develop a plan to continue to be a non-smoker post-partum. Now would be a good time to seek resources from the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, and smoking cessation programs in your community on maintaining life as an ex-smoker.
-Darrell Pennington, RRT
Morganton, N.C.
Don't be so hard on yourself. You kicked the habit. You fell victim to the marketing campaigns and images that, at 15, led you to conclude you needed to smoke to be cool. It nearly ruined your life, but you took personal responsibility and did what was right for you and your child. You deserve to be applauded. You are a good example to others who think it is too difficult to quit. Keep telling your story.
-A.L. DeWitt, JD, RRT, FAARC
ADVANCE Columnist
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