Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 26)

Your Lungs Will Thank You almost immediately after you put out your last cigarette, your body begins to repair itself. here’s a look at how it happens: • 20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. circulation improves. • 8 hours: carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. • 24 hours: chance of heart attack decreases. • 2 weeks: Lung function improves. • 1 to 9 months: chance of pneumonia and cancer begins to decrease. • one year: heart attack risk returns to that of a nonsmoker. “Quitting smoking is a move in the right direction, no matter how long you’ve been smoking or how heavy a smoker you are,” says claudia henschke, Ph.d., m.d., co-author of Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices—and Hope. “Your body can repair the damage done and improve your health starting immediately.” Profile: You don’t smoke, but you live with someone who does or work in an environment where you’re regularly exposed to cigarette smoke. risk level: 3 Surprised? “People who live with smokers or work in bars or restaurants where they’re exposed to lots of smoke often don’t realize that they are subjecting themselves to the same carcinogens that smokers do,” Glynn says. Studies show that secondhand smoke may cause asthma, respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome and heart attacks. reduce your risk: If you live with a smoker, getting him or her to quit is your best bet for improving your health—and the smoker’s health. And if that doesn’t work? “Ask them to smoke outside,” Henschke says. “Not only will it keep the air in your home fresh, but it may deter them from smoking as often, which can only benefit their health.” For those who work in smoky environments, ask about changing the policy for the health of the customers and employees. “You can also work with your local heart, cancer or lung association to change the policies in your area,” Glynn says. “If that doesn’t work and finding a new job isn’t an option, get out and get fresh air as often as possible during your shift,” Henschke says. “And have regular checkups with your physician.” The Secondhand Smoker Profile: You were a smoker but kicked the habit. risk level: 3–4 “Your risk level depends on several things: how much you smoked before and how long you’ve been smoking as well as your lifestyle and genetic factors,” Glynn says. “But no matter what, you’ve made a giant step toward reducing your risk for lung cancer as well as heart disease, stroke and COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].” reduce your risk: The best thing you can do as a former smoker? “Don’t pick it up again,” Henschke says. “And discuss your smoking and family history with your physician and get guidance on screenings.” About half of all smokers try to quit in a given year—and fail. “Take care of yourself emotionally and physically to support your efforts. Staying smoke-free is a daily battle for a long time,” Henschke says. The Former Smoker Profile: You smoke daily. risk level: 5 “Of the 250 known-to-be-harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, at least 60 can cause cancer,” Glynn says. And not just lung cancer. “Smoking is associated with the development of mouth, kidney, stomach, cervical and pancreatic cancers, among others.” reduce your risk: Quit. “Nicotine is considered to be even more addictive than heroin or cocaine,” Henschke says. “Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and can last for weeks or even months. But the payoff—a long and healthy life—will be worth it.” Your best bet for quitting successfully? “Seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about quitting and possible screenings, join a support group at a local hospital, and ask for the support of your friends and family,” Henschke says. Glynn adds, “And don’t rule out the help of prescription pills and nicotine gums and patches, which can do wonders to relieve your withdrawal symptoms.” The Smoker downLoad ready to give up cigarettes for good? Download “Clearing the Air,” a free guide to quitting smoking compiled by experts and ex-smokers, at smokefree.gov/quit-guide.aspx. Get Your FREE Quit Smoking Guide 26 Vim & Vigor • W i n ter 2 011 http://www.smokefree.gov/quit-guide.aspx

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Delegation of Authority
Back in Action
Supplementary Knowledge
Keys to Survival
Clearing the Air
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good
This One’s for the Girls
Life After a Loss
Do Your Diabetes Homework
Healthy Returns
Making Time
Exercise Disguised as Fun
Community Health: Sleep apnea
Foundation Focus: Gifts make a difference
Ask the Expert: Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

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