Despite suffering from chronic lung and other ailments, millions of American’s ignore warnings from their physicians and continue to smoke. “A study by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that nearly 38 percent of people with chronic lung disease still smoke, as do almost 25 percent of those with asthma.” The study concluded that patients continued to smoke even after 60 percent had stated that their physicians had advised them within the last year to quit. The report also noted that “20 percent of people with high blood pressure or heart problems continue to smoke, as do 18.5 percent of people with diabetes.”

These findings, to many researcher, were no surprise. Norman H. Edelman, M.D., a Professor at the State University of New York stated, “what it points out is nicotine is a true addiction, just like being addicted to heroin or cocaine or any other narcotic.” To help those who want to quit smoking and break the nicotine addiction, starting Tuesday, August 24th, the Health Department will begin the 7-week Freedom From Smoking Program. The program will be held at the Administration Building, every Tuesday night from 6:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. and will cost participants $20.00 for the entire 7-weeks. For more information, contact the Health Department at 941-3412.

Women & Smoking

"Smoking is infamous for its short and long-term effects on health. In women, tobacco use has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of death in women. Women who smoke have at least a 10 times greater likelihood of developing lung cancer and is 6 times more likely to suffer a heart attack than a non-smoker. Smoking also boosts the risk of a stroke, increases the chances for infertility, complicates pregnancy and increases the risk of developing osteoporosis."

-IDPH, 2003