In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the first-ever paid national tobacco education campaign — Tips From Former Smokers (Tips). Tips encouraged people to quit smoking by highlighting the toll that smoking-related illnesses take on smokers and their loved ones. The hard-hitting ads showed people living with the real and painful consequences of smoking. Many of the people featured in the ads started smoking in their early teens, and some were diagnosed with life-changing diseases before they were age 40. The ads featured suggestions or “tips” from former smokers on how to get dressed when you have a stoma or artificial limbs, what scars from heart surgery look like, and reasons why people have quit smoking.
Michael's Ad: COPD and Smoking
Michael, who is in his 50s, has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) —a condition caused by smoking—that makes it harder and harder to breathe. In this TV commercial from CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign, Michael offers a tip that if your doctor gives you 5 years to live, like his doctor did, spend it sharing your wisdom and love with your children and grandchildren so they have something to remember you by.
Nathan's Ad: Secondhand Smoke Asthma
Nathan, who is in his early 50s, was surrounded by secondhand smoke every day at work. This caused permanent lung damage and triggered severe asthma attacks. Nathan himself never smoked. In this TV commercial from CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign, Nathan tells viewers that because of his health problems, he can no longer work at the same job or participate in some of his favorite activities.
Last Updated on November 13, 2015 by Paul G
