Special to IFN
Did you know tobacco use is the leading cause of most preventable deaths in the United States?
Although the health risks are widely known, nearly 20 percent of Americans are daily tobacco users, whether it be cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
Registered Nurse Lisa Warren (MHA, MSN) is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and director of Iredell Cardiopulmonary Rehab. She shared important information on tobacco use and how to quit.
“In addition to lung disease, heart attack, stroke, respiratory disease and cancer are serious conditions associated with tobacco use,” explained Warren. “Nicotine, which is a very sticky substance, leaves residue in blood, causing it to thicken. This results in sluggish blood flow and deposits on the sides of arteries and veins leading to plaque buildup.”
Refraining from using tobacco products does not totally eliminate your risk of tobacco related illness. Second-hand smoke or third-hand smoke, which is the residue left behind on surfaces after tobacco products or e-cigarettes have been used indoors, also poses health hazards.
The American Lung Association reports that cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco and pipe smoking has decreased over the past few years, but e-cigarette use and vaping has increased. Warren believes this is due to a lack of education on the dangers of these products.
E-cigarettes and vapes are often advertised as a method to help you stop smoking, but they come with their own laundry list of health hazards.
“These products contain chemicals such as acetate that can cause lung damage, particularly a condition called E-Cigarettes or Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). Not to mention, e-cigarettes and vapes still contain nicotine. Other health concerns are mouth and throat irritation, gum disease, worsening asthma, and even tooth loss,” Warren said.
Because of the addictive nature of these products, quitting can be difficult. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine or amphetamines.
For those who want to stop, Warren suggests quitting using a method you can maintain.
“The most effective method to quit tobacco is the one you will stick to. Much like a healthy lifestyle or an exercise program, not all methods are effective for everyone. In my experience, people have used various methods from quitting cold turkey to hypnosis. Gradually decreasing the number of times you smoke a day, prescription medications and support groups are other great options. There has been research that you can quit smoking by exchanging the cigarettes for vaping or chewing tobacco or snuff, but this method only encourages the person to change from one unhealthy habit to another.”
LEARN MORE
Iredell Cardiopulmonary Rehab is proud to offer Fresh Start: a free smoking cessation program by the American Lung Association. Contact Angela Little at 704-878-4558 for more information.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.