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For those of you still thinking about smoking cessation or even considering starting smoking, here are some points to ponder.

If you thought tobacco was only associated with lung cancer and heart disease; we have some bad news for you.
Current data has linked smoking several organ and system dysfunctions, such as:

1. Central Nervous System - contributing to Alzheimer's dementia, strokes, and multiple sclerosis.
2. Mental Health - depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, abuse of other substances both legal and illegal.
3. Sensory - causing dysfunction in sense of taste, smell and hearing, may lead to macular degeneration and other causes of blindness, cataracts.
4. Cardiovascular System - leading to heart attacks, congestive heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation.
5. Respiratory System - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including emphysema, asthma, increased risk of lung infections and pneumonias.
6. Metabolic or Endocrine System - causing diabetes, thyroid diseases, obesity, high cholesterol, lowers other vital hormone levels.
7. Infertility and sexual dysfunction, such as impotence and erectile dysfunction
8. Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Systems - Inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, urinary dysfunction.
9. Autoimmune, Bones, Joints, Skin, Muscles - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, increased risk for infections overall, more allergies, slow wound healing, osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures, various myalgias or muscle aches and pains, psoriasis, increases wrinkles giving a more aged appearance.
10. Pregnancy and Fetal Development - multiple effects including miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, small baby size, and stillbirth otherwise known as a dead fetus.
11. Cancers - include oral, throat, nose, esophagus, lung, pancreas, bladder, kidney, cervical, vulvar, penis, and skin.

Please note this is only a partial list!

For those of you interested in quitting for the first time or the twentieth time; we have some great news for you.

Did you know that the average smoker trying to quit, will attempt 6-7 times before they are successful. Success is in getting help, good planning, patience and persistence!

A combination of behavioral and pharmacologic interventions are most successful, however work with your doctor to design the best and safest plan for you.

As always, please remember that these articles are written for general information and should not be a substitute to the personalized care of your health care provider(s). You should always check with your doctor prior to making any changes to your medical regimen and/or lifestyle as these changes could require a change in your medical therapy.
We are happy to answer your general health related questions regarding this or any other medical / health topic on our Doctor's Blog. Please remember that we cannot provide any specific medical advice or medically "treat you" over the internet, but we can provide you information regarding a general health concern and possibly help provide you other resources to learn more about a particular health topic.

Feel free to call our office to see what additional alternative therapies are available to help you kick this habit!

Vitality Medical & Wellness Center
Office - 520-461-1717
www.vitalitymedcenter.com

Written By,
Deepali Rastogi, MD
&
Mahesh Tipirneni, MD

For more information, please visit any of the following websites:

1. Smokefree.gov - www.smokefree.gov
2. American Lung Association - www.lungusa.org
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov
4. US Food and Drug Administration - www.fda.gov
5. Arizona Smokers Helpline - www.ashline.org or call 1-800-556-6222