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Russian
surveys conducted by the Scientific Research Institute of Preventative Medicine
have found tobacco contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease, chronic
obstructive lung disease and cancer. The risk of premature death
associated with coronary heart disease was found to be three times higher than
that of a non-smoker.
A
shocking 52.1 percent of malignant cancers have been found to be linked to
tobacco. The annual tobacco death toll in the Russian Federation is now
over 400,000.
The
mortality rates continue to grow as tobacco companies now relentlessly target
children and teenagers. It is reported that 90 percent of the 44 million
Russian smokers start before the age of 20.
Education
is not enough
Cigarette
smoking is still very common despite awareness campaigns and the known
hazards. Tobacco use has been found to be a status symbol among the
educated. Nearly 80 percent of Russians that smoke have a secondary or
high education according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Further
education and awareness will not end this disaster.
If
you don't smoke, you're still at risk. WHO reports that at least 8 out of
10 adults are exposed while visiting restaurants and other public places.
Medvedev's smoking ban will significantly reduce these staggering statistics.
The
media still continues to play large role regardless of education. Despite
restrictions on the advertising on television, young adults ages 15 to 24 still
notice cigarette advertisements. Nearly a quarter of this age group
believes that cigarettes do not cause addiction or have severe health
complications. Further public policies and laws will help protect our
children and future generations.
Tobacco
shortens lives
The
constant exposure to smoke and secondhand smoke significantly increases the
risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, allergies,
asthma and other respiratory related conditions. Statistics also 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 can raise
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.
Research
has shown that the benefits of quitting smoking happen immediately. After
you quit, your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal quickly. It
is very common for individuals to experience symptoms of withdrawal from the
dangerous additives and chemicals in cigarettes. The withdrawal symptoms
are only temporary while symptoms of smoking can cause irreversible disease and
possible death.
Powerful
benefits of quitting
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.
The
cost of smoking is a lot more than financial, it’s personal. We have all
seen good health ripped away and the quality of life of our loved ones get
trampled. The use of tobacco does endanger the lives of our children and
we must take action now.
Support
Medvedev and the anti-smoking bill that is currently being drafted by the
Health Ministry. It can save your life but more importantly, your
family’s life.
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
Twitter:
Cory_Couillard
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