My father has been a heavy smoker for 35 years. Is there any hope he can quit? He sees nothing wrong with smoking, even though his father died of emphysema and smoking-related heart disease. Do you have any suggestions?

Q. My father has been a heavy smoker for 35 years. Is there any hope he can quit? He sees nothing wrong with smoking, even though his father died of emphysema and smoking-related heart disease. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death in the U. S. It accounts for one out of every six deaths in the U. S. Studies also indicate that it is virtually never to late to gain health benefits from quitting smoking (unless of course you are already one out of those six!!). However, the single most important factor in determining one's success in quitting, is their own motivation in wanting to quit (intrinsic motivation). Therefore, if your dad isn't interested in quitting, he probably won't, even if you keep after him. There are some good motivational smoking pamphlets from the American Cancer Society (ACS), which try to emphasize the health benefits from quitting, including a huge cost savings (it won't be long before a pack costs about $5.00.) Also, once (hopefully) your dad is interested in quitting, it is good for him to know that there are several effective medications to help improve success rates and decrease withdrawal symptoms, such as Zyban and the Nicotine patch, gum or nasal spray. Try to be patient, since nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man (similar to heroin and cocaine). Prevention is key here. Phone number for ACS is 1-800-227-2345.