You don’t smoke, but some of your neighbors, friends and relatives do. And when you’re around them, smoke from their cigarettes puts your health at risk. Here are some tips for politely reminding others not to smoke around you:

Speak up tactfully. Family and friends may not be aware of the dangers of second hand smoke. Or, they may not know it bothers you.

Suggest alternatives. Help smokers find a place nearby where they can have their cigarettes. Outside is best.

Display reminders. Try hanging a “Thank you for not smoking” sign in your home or put one in your car.

Open a window. Letting in fresh air reduces your smoke exposure. It also signals that smoke makes you uncomfortable.

Get rid of ashtrays. Not keeping ashtrays in your home is subtle statement that smoking isn’t expected.

Discuss quitting strategies. Many new products and strategies are available to help smokers quit. Bringing them up in conversation makes your smoking concerns cigar. It may also save your life and that of someone close to you.

Let’s be clear about one thing: opting for a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy for the sake of better health. While it will mean changes, they can be made gradually and relatively painlessly if you set about it in a right way. And the good news is that, within weeks, you’ll already be feeling and looking so much better, you won’t want to go back to your old ways.

Here are some of what you’ll gain in short term if you adopt a healthy lifestyle:

• You may lose weight once you start eating a healthy diet, even though its not specifically intended for would be slimmers.
• You’ll have far more energy (both physical and mental) than before,
• You’ll sleep better that you used t and wake feeling refreshed.
• You’ll feel calmer and better able to cope with everyday stress
• You’ll feel much fitter – running for a bus or climbing stairs won’t leave you breathless.
• You’ll suffer fewer minor aches and pains like backache and pre- menstrual syndrome.
• Your hair and skin will look better and your eyes clearer.