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Tobacco
use is a global epidemic that brings disability, disease, lost productivity and
death to entire countries and regions throughout the world. Tobacco continues to be the leading cause of
preventable death despite aggressive national educational campaigns.
Nearly
6 million people die every year via cancer, heart disease, lung disease and
other chronic, long-term health conditions.
Over the course of the 21st century, tobacco use could kill up to a
billion people unless urgent action is taken says the World Health Organization
(WHO).
“The tobacco epidemic is entirely
man-made, and it can be turned around through the concerted efforts of
governments and civil society.” -Dr Margaret Chan, Director General WHO
Big tobacco choking society
Expensive
healthcare costs are just the start to this global killer. It also causes
hundreds of billions of dollars of economic losses via diminished productivity,
missed work days, poor morale and the physical, mental and emotional strain
that tobacco places on you and your family.
The
tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health disasters as it kills up
to half of its users. If the current
trends are allowed to continue, more than 8 million people per year will die by
2030.
Cigarette smoking is obviously still very common despite the
known hazards. Upper middle to
high-income countries are seeing drops in consumption but lower-income
countries are increasing out of control.
These countries are at greatest risk due to lack of education, poor
legislative oversight and outright greed by tobacco companies.
World Heart Day 29 September 2012
Tobacco use is one of the most important risk factors in the
development of cardiovascular disease.
Statistics show that smoking
increases the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and impotence by 100% and
increases the risk of death from undiagnosed coronary heart disease by 300%.
Nicotine, the
addictive component in tobacco can accelerate the heart rate and raises blood
pressure. It also damages the lining of
the blood vessels, increases fatty deposits in the arteries, increases
clotting, raises bad cholesterol, reduces good cholesterol and promotes
coronary artery spasm according to the World Heart Federation.
Improved health within 20 minutes
The World Health Organization says that there are immediate and long-term health
benefits of quitting smoking. The
following will demonstrate the powerful impact that quitting smoking will have
on your health:
Within 20 minutes -- Your heart rate and blood
pressure drop.
12 hours -- The carbon monoxide level in your blood
drops to normal.
2-12 weeks -- Your circulation improves and your
lung function increases.
1-9 months -- Coughing and shortness of breath
decrease.
1 year -- Your risk of coronary heart disease is
about half that of a smoker.
5 years -- Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a
nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
10 years -- Your risk of lung cancer falls to about
half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus,
bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
15 years --The risk of coronary heart disease is
that of a nonsmoker's.
If you quit
smoking and have a relapse, do not worry. It has been quoted that 75% of
people relapse at some point. The average person needs to quit three
times before achieving success. The purpose is always constant, continual
improvement. Even if you reduce the amount of cigarettes, it has a
significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
Dr. Cory
Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous
newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works
in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease
prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect
endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Cory Couillard
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