Premier - Local Cardiologist

  • What is Smoking

    Tobacco smoking involves the burning of tobacco leaves and inhaling or releasing the resulting smoke. There are different methods of smoking tobacco, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, each with its own distinct characteristics.

  • Loading the player...

    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/family-doctor">Family Physician,</a> discusses The Harmful Effects of <a href="https://familypractice-now.com/practitioner/dr-milan-khara-family-doctor-vancouver-bc">Smoking</a></p>

    Family Physician, discusses The Harmful Effects of Smoking

  • Loading the player...

    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/family-doctor">Family Physician,</a> discusses what medications help smoke cessation.</p>

    Family Physician, discusses what medications help smoke cessation.

  • Loading the player...

    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/family-doctor">Family Physician, </a>discusses How to Successfully Quit <a href="https://smartfood-now.com/smoking">Smoking</a></p>

    Family Physician, discusses How to Successfully Quit Smoking

  • The Harmful Effects of Smoking

    Tobacco is indeed the leading preventable cause of death and disease worldwide. While I don't have access to real-time data, as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, tobacco was responsible for approximately 5 million deaths per year globally.

                                 

    However, I want to clarify that projections about future tobacco-related deaths can vary and depend on various factors, including public health efforts, tobacco control policies, and changing smoking patterns. It's challenging to provide precise predictions about the number of tobacco-related deaths by a specific year like 2030.

    Nevertheless, it's crucial to continue raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and implementing effective tobacco control measures to reduce the prevalence of smoking and its associated health risks. Efforts to discourage tobacco use, promote smoking cessation, and educate individuals about the dangers of smoking are essential for improving public health globally.                               

    Lung cancer is indeed a significant concern for smokers, with a twenty-fold increased risk compared to non-smokers. Additionally, approximately ninety percent of lung cancer cases are directly attributed to tobacco smoke.

    However, the detrimental effects of smoking extend beyond lung cancer. Tobacco use is linked to a wide range of malignancies, and smokers are also at a significantly higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attacks, with a three to four times greater likelihood than non-smokers. Moreover, smokers face an elevated risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    The consequences of smoking are severe, and it's estimated that one in two smokers will die prematurely due to their tobacco use. On average, smokers can experience a loss of life expectancy ranging from ten to fifteen years.

    Fortunately, there are numerous places where smokers can seek support and advice for smoking cessation. Seeing a pharmacist, practice nurse, or family doctor is a good starting point. These healthcare professionals can provide guidance on available support options. Smoking cessation medications, such as nicotine patches or gum, as well as prescription medications, can be helpful. Additionally, counseling, advice, and strategic planning for quitting can significantly increase the chances of success. Combining medication and counseling often yields the best outcomes.

    If you're looking for support to quit smoking, consulting your local family physician is an excellent first step. They can provide referrals to relevant resources and help tailor a cessation plan to your specific needs.

     

  • How to Successfully Quit Smoking

    Taking into account the environment, behaviors, and the use of medication can significantly improve the chances of success. Let's break down these elements further:

    1. Environment: Assessing the environment is crucial because it can either support or hinder a quit attempt. If those around the smoker also smoke or if they regularly engage in smoking-related activities, it can make quitting more challenging. In such cases, it's beneficial to change the environment by seeking smoke-free spaces or spending time with nonsmoking individuals who can provide support.

    2. Behaviors: Smoking is often associated with certain behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, taking breaks, or specific situations. By identifying these associations, individuals can modify their behavior to reduce the triggers that prompt the urge to smoke. For example, if someone typically smokes when drinking on a Saturday night, they may choose to abstain from alcohol temporarily to avoid the craving.

    3. Medication: Utilizing medication can significantly enhance the chances of quitting successfully. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, gum, or inhalers, can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, prescription medications like bupropion or varenicline may be recommended by healthcare professionals to assist in quitting. These medications work by reducing cravings and making smoking less satisfying.

    While quitting smoking can be challenging, it's important to recognize it as a genuine addiction disorder rather than just a habit. Seeking professional help, such as consulting with a family physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare providers, is highly beneficial. They can provide guidance on choosing the right medications and offer support throughout the quitting process. Registered dietitians and athletic therapists can also contribute to a comprehensive approach, promoting overall health and well-being.

    Support is a vital aspect of a quit plan. Whether it comes from healthcare professionals, family members, or fellow smokers attempting to quit, having a support system can provide motivation, encouragement, and accountability. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from others who understand the challenges of quitting smoking can be invaluable.

    Cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco smoking, where tobacco is tightly packed into a cylindrical paper tube with a filter at one end. The cigarette is lit, and the smoker inhales the smoke through the filter end, allowing the smoke to enter their lungs.

    Pipes and cigars, on the other hand, are usually not inhaled into the lungs but rather enjoyed for the flavor and aroma. With a pipe, tobacco is placed in a bowl, and the smoker ignites it, drawing the smoke into their mouth and savoring the flavors before exhaling it. Cigars involve the rolling of tobacco leaves into a tightly wrapped cylinder, which is then lit and smoked by puffing on it without inhaling the smoke into the lungs.

    The physicians are in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and are in good standing with the   Canadian Cardiovascular Association and the Canadian Medical Association

    Key Words: Atrial Fibrillation, Cholesterol, COPD & Heart Failure, Coronary Microvascular Disease, Brugada Syndrome, Heart Disease, Heart Failure, and the Heart Benefits of Bell Peppers

Premier - Local Pharmacist

Heart Failure Now

Heart Failure Now

-->