The dangers of smoking are well-documented. People who smoke cut an average of 13 to 14 years from their lives, and statistics show that half of all lifetime smokers die early from smoking-related causes. Smoking cigarettes is highly addictive and results in significant health problems.
The American Lung Association (ALA) says that smoking increases the risk for these health problems:
• Weakened bones and hip fractures in older women
• Cancers of the lungs, blood, cervix, pancreas, stomach, kidneys and bladder
• Cataracts
• Gum disease and tooth loss
• Damage to the immune system and increased risk for infection
• Fertility problems in women
• Peptic ulcers
• Pregnancy complications and premature birth
• Skin damage and wrinkles
The good news is that it is never too late to quit smoking. The ALA reports that within 20 minutes of quitting, a person’s heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood returns to normal. The longer a person does not smoke, the more benefits he or she will see. Within one year, the added risk for coronary heart disease will fall to half that of a smoker’s. Within 15 years, the risk is that of a nonsmoker.
Secondhand smoke is also dangerous. When an adult nonsmoker is exposed to cigarette smoke at home or work, his or her risk for lung cancer and heart disease rises by up to 30 percent. It is especially harmful to children. In babies and children, secondhand smoke can cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), respiratory problems, ear infections and asthma attacks.
Smoking cessation programs are available throughout the community. As a physician, I often work on linking my patient up to a smoking cessation program to help break this terrible habit. Nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) helps many people quit smoking. This type of treatment gives a patient nicotine without the other harmful ingredients in cigarettes. It also allows a person to focus on changing behavior and, thus, reduces his or her addiction to nicotine.
Nicotine gums, patches and lozenges can be bought over the counter. Nicotine sprays and inhalers are also available by prescription. Those who are pregnant or have heart disease should talk with a doctor before using one of these products.
Counseling and support programs are another treatment option. These programs advise a person on the best cessation method to fit individual needs and can provide encouragement to quit for good. Aside from a doctor, other sources for referrals include a local hospital, health department or the American Cancer Society.
Parents should start talking with their children about the dangers of smoking between the ages of 5 and 6. They should explain to their children how tobacco advertising tries to make them believe smoking is cool, socially acceptable and image-enhancing. The best way for parents to encourage their children not to smoke is to quit.
The Indiana Tobacco Quitline offers all Indiana residents free, confidential and comprehensive telephone counseling and information about how to stop tobacco use. For more information, visit www.in.gov/isdh/tpc/ or call 1-800-784-8669.
Nydia Estrada-Nunez, M.D.
Family Medicine, Linwood Health Center
Wishard Health Services