Great American Smokeout – Nov 20!

Now is a great time to quit smoking as the Great American Smokeout is coming up on November 20! If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant it is imperative to stop smoking because smoke greatly impairs a baby’s health and development.

Did You Know?
• Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to be of low birthweight and have more health problems.
• As they grow, babies and children exposed to smoke acquire more colds, ear infections and lung diseases.
• There is a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth due to smoking while pregnant, as well as an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for infants exposed to smoke.

Please recognize that secondhand smoke is just as deadly as smoking yourself! If anyone smokes in the home, even if he/she smokes in another room, your health and the health of your children is at risk!

Tips for Quitting:
• Get rid of all cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters
• Stay in nonsmoking areas
• Stay away from people who smoke as much as possible
• Keep yourself busy with exercise and hobbies
• Carry candy or gum to stick in your mouth when you get the urge to smoke
• Use nicotine replacement products or attend smoking cessation classes
(Source: DE Division of Public Health-Tobacco Prevention & Control Program)

…and most importantly, hang in there! The cravings will pass and, in the meantime, you can think about all of the money you’re saving by not buying cigarettes (approximately $900 per year for a daily half a pack habit).

For more information about quitting, please contact the Delaware QuitLine at 1-866-409-1858 or visit them online at QuitNet.

Guard Against HPV With Gardasil!

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. There are more than 100 types of HPV, about 40 of which are sexually transmitted. They can infect the throat and genital area. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. At least half of all people get a sexually transmitted HPV in their lifetime.

Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others can cause cervical cancer.

In order to reduce your risk of acquiring HPV, you can get immunized with Gardasil, an FDA approved vaccine. This vaccine protects against the four types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. It is recommended for girls and women ages 11-26 and is given in 3 doses over a 6 month time period.

For further information about Gardasil or to make an appointment to get the vaccine, please contact your local Planned Parenthood of Delaware.