The Journal of the American College of Cardiology just published an article that showed once again that secondhand smoke is detrimental to your health. The University College London looked at 13,000 people in England and Scotland and discovered that those exposed to secondhand smoke had a 2-fold increase risk of dying of heart disease. Research has shown us that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing cancer, worsens bronchitis and asthma, and has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome.
Smoking and secondhand smoke kills people, there's no doubt about it. Yet, you can still go into the store and buy a pack of cigarettes; where's the logic in that? The times are changing though. Our local hospital is going smoke-free. They've done a great job reaching out to employees and their families to offer them smoking cessation programs. I've noticed more office buildings and restaurants going smoke-free or limiting smoking to a safe distance away from other people. Even airports have gone smoke-free; no more holding your breath walking through the terminal. Casino's haven't yet made that full transition to smoke-free but, there's hope for them yet.
I grew up in a home where my mother smoked and she still does. I love her dearly but, I can't stand the way my hair, clothes and skin smells after just a short visit with her. She has tried to quit many times but, still hasn't been able to do it. At the age of 73, I doubt she ever will. When I look in her eyes, I see all those people I've cared for dying of COPD, heart disease, and cancer due to being exposed to smoke. I can only hope that she won't become a statistic for a little while longer.
Post by Anne Dabrow Woods, MSN, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC
Tags :