Show #285 Airing Sunday, February 20, 2005
I’m not just blowing smoke. Smoking is bad for you. Today we’ll try to light a fire under your efforts to stop. Joining us is Dr. Alice Petrulis, who always lights up our show. She’s medical director at Ohio KePRO.
Question: We all know that smoking causes lung cancer…but does it cause other problems?
Answer: A smoker has 2-3 times the risk of dying from a heart attack than a non-smoker.
Smoking also causes peripheral vascular disease—the narrowing of blood vessels carrying blood to arms and legs, which can result in amputations. It can also cause problems with:
- Dental hygiene
- Increased facial wrinkles
- Stomach ulcers
- Healing of surgical incisions
Question: What about cigars? Are they safer?
Answer: We used to think so, since cigar smokers usually don’t inhale the smoke. However, cigar smokers have a greater risk of heart disease than non-smokers.
Question: What about secondhand smoke?
Answer: Secondhand smoke, also called passive smoke, causes an increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
Secondhand cigar smoke has a higher level of toxins and poisons.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a threefold increased risk of lung cancer as adults in addition to problems with bronchitis and asthma.
Question: What’s being done about it?
Answer: Some cities around the world, and even in Ohio, have passed laws prohibiting smoking in public places. One such city is Columbus. Columbus voters decided this issue at the polls last November. Beginning January 31st, buildings and vehicles owned or leased by the city were required to be smoke-free. Many of Columbus’ surrounding suburbs have passed similar laws.
Question: What are the benefits of stopping smoking? Is there a best way to stop?
Answer: Stopping smoking reduces your risk of a heart attack. Within five years, the risk is almost the same as for a non-smoker - regardless of age. Its never too late to quit.
Stopping smoking after a heart attack reduces risk of recurrence of a heart attack by 50%.
It also reduces one’s risk of stroke.
Question: How do we quit?
Answer: The best way to stop is whichever way works for you.
- Cold turkey.
- Gum w/nicotine.
- Hypnotist.
- Change your routine-- e.g., if you only smoke at a bar, don’t go there.
- Toothpick.
Today, we are offering a smoking cessation card free if you call us, and it contains a lot of tips. Pick a day to stop, stop along with a friend, find the routines that make you smoke and change those routines, hide ashtrays, reward yourself when you don’t smoke, keep your savings from not buying cigarettes in a money jar, etc.
Attend a smoking cessation programs. Ask your doctor. Many hospitals offer them.
Question: Stopping smoking will not onl protect your health, but it can save you a lot of money, right?
Answer: Yes. A pack a day smoker may spend $100 a week just on cigarettes.
No ifs, ands, or ....”butts.” Stop smoking today, to help yourself and those you love. For more information or a list of proven programs, call the number up next, and ask for a free smoking cessation card. My thanks to Dr. Alice Petrulis.
