A new video series from the CDC offers some tips on how smokers can transition from their daily habit to a more wholesome lifestyle.
For every smoking-related death, at least 30 Americans live with a smoking-related illness, the CDC notes. Those illnesses can curb healthy living but that’s no reason to refrain from physically enriching or mentally nourishing activities.
In the mini-reel above, we learn how yoga, surfing, DIY art projects, and cooking can build a smoker’s esteem and fill those hours with empowering projects.
Also in this video series, the story of a real-life smoker reveals the complications many smokers face, even when they quit. To sum up Marlene’s story:
Marlene started smoking in high school, with a lesson from a neighbor on how to inhale. Smoking seemed cool. Marlene continued to smoke as she married and raised children. Then at age 56, Marlene started to lose her vision. She had trouble reading; accidentally cut herself in the kitchen; and would fall, even when walking down only a few steps. She had developed an advanced eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can destroy the central vision you need to read, drive, or see people’s faces—leaving you legally blind.
Marlene’s doctor told her to quit smoking if she wanted to keep even a small portion of her eyesight. When a new drug came out—a breakthrough that might slow her vision loss—Marlene was excited. “Okay. I take it by mouth?” Marlene asked. “No, we inject it in your eyes,” said the doctor.
To date, Marlene has had more than 100 injections in each eye—and she’ll need even more shots each month or she will go blind. Marlene hopes that sharing her story will help others quit smoking as soon as possible.
For more information the CDC anti-smoking campaign, visit here.
