My mother-in-law, who babysits my one year-old, smokes. Although she only has her cigarettes outside when my son is there, she smokes in the house the rest of the time. Should I be concerned?
Second hand smoke is increasingly cited as a causative agent for a variety of issues. Children in a household with a smoker are at greater risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), asthma, and ear infections to name a few. Although the greatest risk is when there is active smoking going on while the child is in the house, the literature shows that there is still
Second Hand Smoke and Children
by Tom Seman MD FAAP June 27th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call Read More
Smoking Cessation
by Dean Heller MD March 10th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I stopped smoking about a year ago, but my wife continues to smoke. I want to convince her to stop, what should I tell her?
Tell her that smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, that smoking puts her at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, tell her that heart disease is actually the number one killer in women. Although breast cancer happens more commonly in women, they are still more likely to die of heart disease.
To learn more about cognitive impairment, watch this video from VideoMD.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Klodas
American College of Cardiology
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Tell her that smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, that smoking puts her at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, tell her that heart disease is actually the number one killer in women. Although breast cancer happens more commonly in women, they are still more likely to die of heart disease.
To learn more about cognitive impairment, watch this video from VideoMD.com.
Dr. Elizabeth Klodas
American College of Cardiology
Chantix – Mixed Reviews
by Lori Sciame February 18th, 2011 | Addiction, Medication
Cranky. Cravings. Constipation…and more. Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows just how difficult the process can be. In fact, most smokers try seven times or more before they can kick the habit. This is because nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug. Chantix, one of seven prescription medications available to help smokers quit, has had mixed reviews concerning its safety and effectiveness.
The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (CTRI) explains that Chantix is a prescription-only medication that helps smokers quit in two ways. The medication blocks some
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The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (CTRI) explains that Chantix is a prescription-only medication that helps smokers quit in two ways. The medication blocks some
Give Your Heart a Valentine
by Lori Sciame February 11th, 2011 | Diseases, Health Research, Heart Health
This Valentine’s Day, show your heart some love. Since 1963, February has been known as “American Heart Month.†Since heart disease is America’s number one killer, it makes sense to make your heart a priority, not only this month, but every month of the year.
Overview
In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In essence, heart disease touches all
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Overview
In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In essence, heart disease touches all
Nicotine Withdrawal or Depression?
by Jane Wangersky December 27th, 2010 | Addiction, Mental Health
Quitting smoking has always been a popular New Year's resolution, and now, with the dangers of smoking well known and smoking restricted to fewer and fewer places, it's more important than ever for smokers to try to quit.
It's also important to be aware of what quitting may do to your mental state. The good news is that you won't feel this way forever.
Nicotine withdrawal has many mental and physical effects. Smokefree.gov says symptoms include:
* Feeling down or sad
* Having trouble sleeping
* Feeling irritable, on edge, grouchy
* Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
* Feeling restless and jumpy
* Slower heart rate
*
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It's also important to be aware of what quitting may do to your mental state. The good news is that you won't feel this way forever.
Nicotine withdrawal has many mental and physical effects. Smokefree.gov says symptoms include:
* Feeling down or sad
* Having trouble sleeping
* Feeling irritable, on edge, grouchy
* Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
* Feeling restless and jumpy
* Slower heart rate
*