The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rolled out a series of new ads Monday featuring former smokers trying to encourage people to quit the habit or not take it up at all. The ads also include the wife of "Star Trek" legend Leonard Nimoy, talking about his addiction and the aftermath when he quit.
The new commercials are the latest installment of the CDC's "Tips from former smokers" campaign. They feature former smokers who are disfigured or dealing with diseases because of their addiction.
Nimoy died in 2015 at age 83 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The CDC says it "refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis."
"He had chronic breathing difficulties for as long as I knew him," said Nimoy's wife, Susan.
"He became more and more weak, and more and more oxygen dependent," she added.
Nimoy tried to get the message out about the dangers of smoking before his death, reportedly tweeting, "I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP." The LLAP was for his signature line as Spock, "Live long and prosper."
The CDC says its "Tips from former smokers" campaign has helped 9 million Americans try to quit smoking.
