2.) Q: What kind of services does the Tobacco Prevention and Control unit offer?
A: Programs related to tobacco prevention & cessation.
For more information: please call 630-682-7979 ext. 7044 or visit our Programs Page.

3.) Q: What’s all this talk about bidis?
A: Bidis are small, flavored, filterless cigarettes made in India. They consist of shredded tobacco rolled in dried tendu leaves and secured with string. They are produced in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla and cherry. Research shows that bidis are a significant health hazard to users. Studies found that one bidi produces more than three times the amount of carbon monoxide and nicotine and more than five times the amount of tar than one cigarette. 

4.) Q: What are clove cigarettes?
A: Clove cigarettes, also known as “cloves” or “kreteks,” were created in Indonesia in the 1800’s. They have been imported and sold in the U.S. since the 1960’s. Clove, a kitchen spice, makes
up about 40% of this cigarette. The other 60% is made of tobacco, chemicals and herbs.

5.) Q: What restaurants are smoke-free in DuPage County?
A:list of Smoke-Free restaurants.

6.) Q: How do I quit smoking?
A: Various methods of quitting have been proven successful. The effectiveness varies from person to person, depending on their own nicotine addiction, habits, and triggers. For more information visit our Quitting Page.

7.) Q: What will happen to my body when I quit smoking?
A: Changes within 24 hours: Circulation improves, carbon monoxide in the blood declines, lessening the possibility of cholesterol in the arteries, hypertension risks disappear.

Changes within 48 hours: Sense of taste and smell improve. Nerve endings start to grow.

Changes within one week: Breathing gets easier. Sinuses clear out.

Changes within one month: Exercising is easier. Smoker’s cough decreases. Sleep quality is improved.

Changes within one year: The risk of developing many illnesses – including pneumonia, influenza, colds, coronary heart disease is lowered. 

Changes within five years: There’s significant reduction in the risk of lung cancer and cancers of the mouth and throat. There’s continued decline in the risk of coronary heart disease.

Changes within 10 years: The risk of heart attack is nearly the same as for a person who never smoked.

Changes within 15 years: The risk of lung cancer is nearly the same as for a person who never smoked. Adapted from American Chiropractic Association, 94.

8.) Q: How can I avoid weight gain when I quit smoking?
A: Some smokers have been known to gain weight (average 5 lbs.) when quitting. This is due, in part, to a physical change in one’s metabolism (without nicotine). Proper eating habits and regular exercise are very important at this time. For more information visit our Quitting Page.

9.) Q: How do I get my teen to quit smoking?
A: First and foremost, a person, regardless of age, can only quit smoking when they are ready and willing. All the efforts in the world cannot alter someone else’s behavior if they are not ready to make the change. When a child does express interest in quitting smoking… Don’t: Buy your child cigarettes. Offer unwelcome advice. Ask them to quit for your sake. Make comments about how successful you think they’ll be. Put undue pressure on the teen while trying to quit. Underestimate the difficulty in quitting. Do…Keep a smoke-free home and car. Realize that quitting is a personal journey and must be done alone. Recognize any possible withdrawal symptoms. Treat any slip-back as an isolated incident, not a failure. Help distract the quitter when temptations are strong. Be a patient, open-minded listener. Understand the impact of peer pressure and media on a child’s thoughts and actions. Refer you child to a clinic for additional help in quitting.

10.) Q: What happens to the baby if a mom smokes when she’s pregnant?
A: If a mom smokes while she’s pregnant she could have a miscarriage or stillbirth. Her baby could be born too small or too soon. Her baby could have learning and behavior problems later
in childhood. Her baby could die from crib death (sudden infant death syndrome).

11.) Q: How can parents protect their kids from tobacco
A: Maintain a smoke free home. A smoke free home makes children less likely to smoke, even
if their parents smoke. By not allowing anyone to in their homes, parents not only make smoking less convenient for their kids but also make a powerful statement that they believe smoking is undesirable.