To the Editor:

Quitting smoking is the best gift you can give to your family and yourself this holiday season.

Your kids and grandkids would be thrilled if you quit. Many kids would gladly give up holiday gifts if their parents would stop smoking. Quitting would more than likely give your family a healthier holiday season and into the New Year to come.

It is known that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the number of colds, sore throats and ear problems in children.

Most importantly, your blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal after you quit. Your risk of heart attack drops, and your sense of taste and smell improve, breathing is easier, the wheezing goes away and your lung capacity increases.

Give yourself and your family the best this year and make a plan to quit smoking for good. There are people ready and willing to help you.

For a free personalized quit plan and support, call the state Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com.

Walter Lacks

Norwood