Health & Fitness
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: It's Never Too Late To Improve Your Health, Quit Smoking Today
Even those who have tried to quit smoking before, and may have struggled, should try again. It is never too late.
Find out what's happening in Fenton-High Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Quitting can be extremely challenging, but it is possible with willpower, resources and, perhaps most importantly, the support from friends, family and loved ones.
Even those who have tried to quit smoking before, and may have struggled, should try again. It is never too late.
Find out what's happening in Fenton-High Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Your body will thank you as you enjoy benefits like lengthening your life expectancy, decrease your risk of disease and experience lifestyle improvements like improved taste and smell,” said SSM Health Cardiologist Dr. Jasdeep Sidhu.
March 9, National No Smoking Day, is a great starting point for those who want to quit smoking or using tobacco.
It also offers the opportunity for all of us to start the conversation with a loved one who may need help to take that step.
“Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and is a major cause of disease,” said Dr. Sidhu. “One of the best things that a person can do is to stop.”
Smoking and tobacco use are harmful to nearly every organ of the body, including the heart. The CDC estimates that nearly 40 million U.S. adults still smoke cigarettes, and about 4.7 million middle and high school students use at least once tobacco product.
“Many youth use e-cigarettes or vaping devices, thinking that they are safe because they aren’t a traditional cigarette,” Sidhu said. “This couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, COPD and many others. It also increases the risk for other diseases, such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Vaping products contain nicotine, which is the same addictive drug that is found in cigarettes and other tobacco products, in addition to flavorings and chemicals.
“You don’t have to take on this journey alone – speak with your primary care physician today if you need help,” Sidhu said.
In addition to physician-guided smoking cessation, there also are a variety of resources available. The National Cancer Institute’s quit line, is available Monday-Friday from 9 am-9 pm at 1-877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848). Visit Smokefree.gov for more information on how to quit smoking.
This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.