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National Non-Smoking Week
January 21-27, 2007
With the slate of the previous year wiped clean, many people see January as a good time to change some aspect of their lives. If you are one of the estimated 22% of New Brunswickers who smoke, why not consider quitting for the sake of your health during National Non-Smoking Week (January 21-27, 2007)? For some people, the thought of quitting forever is too overwhelming. If that describes you, consider going smoke-free for even one day on Weedless Wednesday, January 24, 2007 .
Smoking has no redeeming qualities. Over 4000 chemicals can be found in tobacco smoke and at least 50 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. Marijuana smoke is not a safe alternative as it contains over 400 chemicals and higher levels of tar and other cancer-causing substances than tobacco. Inhaling smoke damages lung tissue and can lead to respiratory illnesses, cancer, heart disease, and death.
Tobacco is responsible for over 45,000 deaths in Canada per year, according to Health Canada . Approximately 85-90% of cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are caused by smoking. COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) is a progressive lung disease with no known cure that leads to shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production. Smoking also causes cancer and heart disease, and may worsen other lung diseases such as asthma.
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that comes from a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and from the smoke breathed out by smokers. It contains higher levels of harmful substances than the smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette and regular exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung disease by 25% and the risk of heart disease by 10%. Second-hand smoke is especially dangerous for children whose lungs are still developing and growing. Children exposed to second-hand smoke have a greater risk of developing ear infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Second-hand smoke has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Smoking is a learned activity that quickly becomes an addiction and can be difficult to overcome. Some people have success with quitting “cold turkey” while others find that cessation aids such as nicotine replacement products (gum, patch, inhaler) or prescription medications are helpful. Others need a formal program to help them quit
It is never too late to quit smoking!
For more information and resources about smoking cessation, contact the New Brunswick
L
ung Association at 1-800-565-LUNG (5864) or visit our website at www.nb.lung.ca. Remember…
National Non-smoking Website http://www.nnsw.ca/
“When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters”
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