Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate Moms and all of the amazing things they do. Families across Milwaukee will be giving Moms flowers, gifts or taking her out to breakfast or lunch, but there’s one thing that many can do that their mother will be thankful for long after the day is over. Encouraging them to quit smoking.

According to data from the CDC, 15 percent of women in Wisconsin smoke. That’s 338,400 women, including many with children. Sadly, 1,100 kids in Wisconsin have already lost their mothers to smoking and more will in the next year.

Wisconsin women also smoke while pregnant at a much higher rate than the national average (13.1 percent to 8.4). When you include other factors such as poverty, the rate is much higher, which is devastating when you consider the negative health impacts to their unborn children. Needless to say, the impact of smoking on Wisconsin Moms and Kids is great.

But, there is hope. By showing Moms the same love and support they’ve shown you all of your life you might be able to help her quit. Let her know about the many health benefits of quitting smoking including a decreased risk of coronary heart disease or cancer, and improved breathing and overall health.

Also let her know that free help is available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Support is available to pregnant mothers looking to quit through the First Breath Program. For more information about local tobacco prevention efforts please visit the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/waatpn/.