Make this School Year 100% Smoke and Vape-Free at Home

School has started across New Mexico. Kids are back on buses, meeting new teachers, and getting used to homework and early mornings. This is a great time to build healthy habits at home. One easy way to help your child stay healthy and do better in school is to keep your home smoke and vape-free

The Hidden Impact of Secondhand Smoke and Vape Aerosols on Learning

We all know that secondhand smoke and vape aerosols cause health issues like asthma attacks, bronchitis, and ear infections. But did you know it directly impacts a child’s school year?

• More Missed Days: Children exposed to secondhand smoke at home miss more days of school due to increased illnesses than children living in smoke and vape-free environments.
• Disrupted Sleep: Smoke and vape aerosols irritate the lungs, leading to snoring, coughing, and restless sleep. A tired student has a harder time focusing on learning.
• School Performance: Studies show that children around smoke and vape aerosols score lower in reading and math, caused by fatigue and missed school.

School-Ready, Smoke-Free: Protecting Kids from Hidden Toxins at Home

Even if you only smoke or vape when the kids aren’t in the room, toxic buildup doesn’t just disappear into thin air.

Thirdhand smoke is the invisible layer of nicotine, heavy metals, and chemicals that settle onto furniture, carpets, clothing, and toys long after a cigarette or vape is used. When kids sit on the sofa to do homework or put on their school jackets, they absorb thezse harmful substances through their skin and lungs.

Simply opening a window or turning on a fan isn’t enough to remove these lingering substances. Quitting is the best way to protect them.

Give Your Family the Ultimate Fresh Start

You don’t have to do it alone. If you or a loved one is ready to take the best way toward a smoke-free lifestyle this fall, free help is available for every New Mexico resident.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (or 1-855-DEJELO-YA for Spanish) or visit QuitNowNM.com to access free coaching, nicotine replacement patches or gum, and personalized support.

As New Mexico students settle into the school year, let’s help them stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn with clean air at home and bright futures ahead!