Smoking
Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.
- Cigarette smoking alone kills more than 480,000 Americans each year.
- 16 million Americans are living with at least one serious smoking-related illness.
- Unfortunately, 34 million adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes.
- 1 in 3 tobacco users will die prematurely.
New products on the market referred to as "vapes" are also an increasing problem, especially among teenagers and young people. The electronic version of smoking is just as dangerous and just as addictive as traditional smoking.
To learn more about nicotine, smoking, vaping, and more - watch the video below:
Smoking Education
Including Cessation Tips
A presentation from the CDC with smoking information and cessation tips.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an addictive chemical added by all manufacturers to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, ENDS, and vapes.
Health Effects of Tobacco
All forms of tobacco - cigarettes, vapes, and smokeless have detrimental negative effects on a person's health.
Smoking-related Illnesses
Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco use results in many harmful effects on health. Cancers of lip, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth are a major health effect. Cancers can also occur in the larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. Periodontal/gum disease, receding gums, bad breath, and stained teeth are very common.
Nicotine in smokeless tobacco is absorbed ore slowly, at higher amounts, and stays in the blood system longer than smoking a cigarette. Smokeless tobacco is potentially more addictive than cigarettes due to the high nicotine level.
E.N.D.S. and Vapes
Vaping with Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) such as the very popular Juul e-cigarette is much more common today among younger generations. E-cigarettes all have some type of heating element/atomizer that heats the liquid nicotine "juice" to make a vapor.
There is limited data on the harm or potential health impacts of vaping. Users are known to experience cough, labored breathing, reduced blood oxygen levels, and elevated white blood cell counts.
Young People and Juuls/E-Cigs
According to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco survey, 27.5% of high school and 10.5% of middle school students use e-cigarettes, with 21% of high schoolers vaping on a daily basis.
Legislation banning flavors was recently passed in an attempt to dissuade teen use. Another issue is their discreet size and shape, making it easy for kids to hide them. They remain popular amount the youth.
Quitting
The addictive agent in tobacco products, nicotine, is what makes quitting incredibly difficult. Nicotine is delivered to the brain within 10-19 seconds after the first puff. The nicotine causes the user to feel pleasure, reduced tension, appetite suppression, and other changes in brain chemistry. Nicotine accumulates in the body and a tolerance develops, leading to increased usage. It's a dangerous cycle.
The absence of nicotine causes withdrawal symptoms, physically and mentally that make it very hard to quit without support. Common symptoms are: depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms can begin in just a few hours after the last use. When quitting, symptoms typically peak around week and last about four weeks. The "cravings" can take much longer to go away.
Most quitters require multiple attempts before they are successful. Half of all smokers will eventually quit - YOU CAN DO IT!
Quitting Smoking Is Hard
Getting Help
Having a plan is key! Using pharmacology, support groups, nicotine replacement patches/gum, and other support tools can be helpful. Remember that starting over if you fail is normal and keep at it!
The following is a list of websites providing Online Educational Support:
cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/
The Benefits
Within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure is lowered and peripheral circulation increases! Smell and taste are enhanced and lung function increases. After 8 hours, carbon monoxide level drops and cilia begin to re-grow. Positive changes begin happening immediately. The risk of cancer, heart disease, and death are reduced significantly. Plus, the money saved from not buying nicotine products can be life-changing for some people.
