One in three smokers dies early because of his or her smoking. Smokers die of heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema. At one time smoking seemed "cool," but it has become less and less desirable.

What's more, research shows that secondhand smoke, the smoke from other people's cigarettes, can harm the health of nonsmokers. Breathing in another person's smoke can cause many breathing problems in children and cancer and heart disease in adults.

The trend now is for public places and work places to go smoke free. This should help smokers make the move to quit and keep everyone's lungs healthier.

Cigarettes are so much a part of the American scene that many people think of them as "normal." They are easy to buy and inexpensive compared to other drugs. But cigarettes aren't normal...they are very addictive and cause sickness and death.

This section is committed to help those who want to quit smoking or to educate others on the health risks of continuing this deadly habit.

• Facts About Smoking
• Ways to Quit
• Preparing to Quit
• Quitting for Keeps