Just The Facts...
In 2004, 44.5 million adults (20.9 percent) in the United States were current smokers—23.4 percent of men and 18.5 percent of women. An estimated 70 percent of these smokers said they wanted to quit. An estimated 14.6 million (40.5 percent) adult everyday smokers in 2004 had stopped smoking for at least 1 day during the preceding 12 months because they were trying to quit. Research shows that stopping smoking can lengthen your life.
A 50-year study of more than 34,000 male doctors found that quitting by age 40 can add about nine years to a man's life. Quitting by age 50 add about six years to his life expectancy.
Further, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in this country, killing approximately 65,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. each year.
Secondhand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 69 that cause cancer. Secondhand smoke is proven to aggravate asthma and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children and adults.
Medical experts recommend tobacco users try one of these methods:
Set a quit date, and ask your family and friends for their support. Once you quit, use nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medicine to boost your chances of success. Withdrawal is usually at its worst within one to three weeks after quitting. Avoid people and places that make you crave cigarettes. Talk to your doctor for more suggestions to help you stick with your healthier lifestyle.
Second-Hand Smoke
There is no doubt about the fact that secondhand smoke is a public
health issue. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of
preventable death in this country, killing 65,000 nonsmokers in the U.S,
each year. The scientific evidence that documents the health risks
associated with exposure to secondhand smoke is clear, convincing and
overwhelming. Secondhand smoke is known to cause lung cancer, heart
disease, chronic lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma, sudden
infant death syndrome, and low birth weight deliveries.
Secondhand smoke exposure is clearly associated with an increased risk
of lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia;
increased prevalence of fluid in the middle ear, and also with the
development of symptoms of upper respiratory tract irritation. As an
allergist, I can also tell you firsthand that exposure to secondhand
smoke increases the severity of asthma symptoms in children. Secondhand
smoke exposure is also a risk factor for new asthma cases in children
who have not previously displayed symptoms.
There is no risk free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The scientific evidence that secondhand smoke causes serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, is massive and conclusive. Breathing even a little secondhand smoke poses a risk to your health. Exposure to secondhand smoke has substantial and immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Secondhand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome and other health consequences in infants and children. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. Smoke free workplace policies are effective in reducing secondhand smoke exposure. Smoke free policies and regulations do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry. Many millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces despite substantial progress in tobacco control. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer causing chemicals.
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