Show your children you care this Valentine’s Day by protecting them from the danger of second hand smoke. Whether it’s yourself or your partner who smokes, we’ve come up with some handy tips for giving up the cigarettes and making a Fresh Start on Valentine’s Day:

• Instead of breaking hearts this Valentine’s Day, why not break all your cigarettes into small pieces (so you won’t be tempted to fish them out of the bin) and throw them away along with all other smoking materials like lighters, ashtrays etc.

• Planning on a romantic gesture? Whether you’ve finally plucked up the courage to ask that certain special someone on a first date, or simply want to spoil someone you love with a romantic surprise, no one wants to share a kiss with someone with bad breath. Put down the cigarettes and pick up the floss for fresh breath and a winning smile this Valentine’s Day!

• Many people worry that giving up smoking will make them pile on the pounds. It is true that the nicotine in cigarettes curbs your appetite so when you stop smoking you will feel hungry and the rate at which your body burns up calories will slow down. It may be tempting to dive headfirst into the fridge or go on a snack eating frenzy so why not start your Valentine’s Day with a heart shaped fruity French toast and end your evening meal with a fruity fondue for two. Why not try some of these healthy recipes?

• We all know that boredom can lead to temptation so keep occupied by setting an exercise target one day at a time.  Walking, cycling and gardening are all great ways of keeping fit so you don’t need to join a gym. Your loved ones will certainly appreciate a healthier, happier you!

But if you’re not quite ready to give up the cigarettes completely, you can at least make sure you’re keeping your children safe from passive smoke by not smoking around them or in places like the family car. Cigarette smoke is more dangerous in places like the family car because the small enclosed space means children cannot escape from it. Opening the window does not help as the smoke blows back into the car, where it can linger in the upholstery for up to two hours. This means there is never a safe time to smoke in your car, so make a fresh start this Valentine’s Day for the health of your loved ones.