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Mary Ella’s Weekly Message

June 6, 2011

Preparing for Vacation, Father's Day

It’s that time of year when college and high school seniors graduate and most of our schools close for the summer. This is a signal for many of us to take some time off to be with our families, whether we go away on vacation, head to a family reunion, or have a “stay-cation” to get some things done at home.

It can be tempting to slip back into old patterns when we aren’t in our regular routine. Here are some tips for staying smokefree during your vacation, stay-cation or summer parties:

• Pull out your list of reasons for quitting and keep it with you. Refer to it often, to remind yourself of why you want to remain smokefree.
• Practice saying, “No, thanks, I’m smokefree now.” With a little practice, that phrase can come rolling off of your tongue when you are tempted by someone at a party.
• Make a plan to stay smokefree. Planning for tempting situations can help you maintain your resolve in a weak moment.
• Talk with your buddy about your plan.
• Remember that drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions.
• Repeat over and over, “I am smokefree!” Say it loudly and proudly!
• When stressed, listen to the relaxation exercises.
• Relieve stress with a brisk walk.

June 19th is Father’s Day. This Father’s Day we recognize a very special dad, Dr. William Blatt, a graduate of ALA’s Freedom From Smoking clinic. Dr. Blatt says, “When I enrolled in the Freedom From Smoking® program, I initially thought, ’If I quit, I’ll live longer.’ But my greatest motivation was the hope that if I quit, I’d get to see my kids grow up. I quit smoking for good in 1984 and have proudly watched them mature into wonderful adults.” Indeed he did as Dr. Blatt is the father of the American Lung Association’s very own, Bill Blatt, Director of Tobacco Programs. Pictured here is Dr. Blatt with his wife, Mavis.

If you are a father or father-to-be and you are in the FFS Online program, we are so proud of you for setting a good example for your children. Keep up the great work!

I’ll see you on the Message Boards! :-) Mary Ella

Don’t forget: If you’re in the Premium program and want help fast on the Message Boards, put “HELP NOW” in the subject line of your post. If you’re looking to offer help, watch for those, “HELP NOW” posts and alert your other FFS Online buddies to offer some assistance as well.