This is a special notice for all parents. When it comes to your children, you want healthy, happy kids.

Most parents who smoke state they understand that second-hand smoke is bad for children’s health. Yet they still smoke around their kids. The impact of second-hand smoke on a child’s health can last a lifetime. Here are just a few facts.

Over 4,000 different chemicals have been identified in second hand smoke, and many of these chemicals cause cancer.

Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of respiratory tract infections, ear infections, asthma, childhood cancers, and sudden infant death syndrome or “SIDS.”

Just one hour spent in an extremely smoky room and a child can inhale enough toxic chemicals equal to smoking 10 cigarettes.

But here are a few ways you can help protect your kids from second-hand smoke:

Make your home and car smoke-free zones,

Ask people not to smoke around you and your children,

Teach your kids to stay away from tobacco smoke and other types of smoke,

And if you smoke, get help quitting. Many health departments have smoke cessation pro-grams to help you quit.

Remember, smoking hurts you and those around you.

Quit NOW for yourself and for your family.