Let’s get going

May 20th, 2008 at 02:10pm Dr. Jeffrey A. Barteau

This should be an excellent way to exchange information and thoughts on all the latest studies we see published in the professional journals as well as the everyday press.  I’m sure nothing can get the sparks flying faster than a controversial opinion.  So here goes.

It’s been over 40 years since the Surgeon General’s landmark report on the dangers of smoking, and we have made great progress.  Smoking rates among adults have been cut in half.  However, forty five million adults in the USA still smoke, and tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death.  About one in every five deaths, according to the American Medical Association.

The good news is that it is NEVER too late to quit.  A recent study from Harvard University and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that most of the excess risk of vascular mortality due to smoking in women may be eliminated rapidly upon cessation and within 20 years for lung diseases.

Even better news is that you don’t have to go it alone or spend tons of money on some commercial program.  Here are links to two excellent resources:

http://1800quitnow.cancer.gov/ is a toll-free call where you can get set up with a free quit coach and a free quit plan.

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/tobacco/lowlit.htm will show you a publication on how to quit, and links to lots of other helpful information.

So get going.  You will feel better than you have in years, and will save enough money to but a few quarts of gasoline for every pack you don’t smoke.

And best of all, you can avoid getting to know any of us doctors any better than you do just reading our blogs!

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