 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Entertainment Industry 
The Help Pregnant Smokers Quit Writers Project is sponsored by the National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit. Read the Partnership's history and find out more about our partners. There is never a more important time for a smoker to quit than when she's pregnant, but it can be the time when quitting is toughest. Pregnancy can be a stressful experience and smokers light up under stress. But pregnancy can also offer women a teachable moment when they are far more likely to make a quit attempt. It is estimated that between 12 to 20 percent of pregnant women smoke. Learn more about the risks of smoking to both mother and baby, and see the effective treatment programs that can help pregnant smokers quit. The Surgeon General has said that smoking cessation is the most significant thing a woman can do to protect her health and the health of her baby. Nearly 20 percent of low-birth-weight births are linked to smoking during pregnancy. Smoking can also cause premature births and is estimated to cause 10 percent of all infant deaths. How a character responds to the challenge to quit and whether her doctor, family or friends help or hurt that cause can make relevant drama or realistic comedy. Although television series regulars usually do not smoke and most do not get pregnant, there are many ways to present this dilemma through guest characters. For example, a pregnant teenage character goes to a support group to learn quitting techniques and builds new relationships, a doctor works with a patient to help her quit or a creative character uses her own tricks and crutches at home, at work and anywhere else she usually smokes. To learn more or arrange for expert consultation call (818)
508-2080 or email pregsmokers@aol.com. |
 |
Materials for
Producers & Writers General &
Industry Background |
||||
Pregnant Smokers Need
Help, So Do Harried Scriptwriters|
|
