These problems include cough and phlegm production, an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness, an unfavorable lipid profile and potential retardation in the rate of lung growth and the level of maximum lung function. An estimated 440,000 Americans die each year from diseases caused by smoking. These illnesses include Lung Cancer, bronchitis, heart diseases, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and emphysema. As well as, of course, second hand smoking that presents the threat of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Many experts will also tell you second hand smoking is more dangerous than first hand, because of the unfiltered smoke containing 50 more cancerous substances than filtered cigarette smoke.
If smoking is the leading cause of one of the leading causes of death, it surprises me that people still do it. Stroke, accidents, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are the causes of death in the middle of the list. A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. Stroke can have permanent damage on a person causing that person to lose their ability to speak or move like they used to, it can also be fatal. Accidents or unintentional injuries are getting more and more common.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease also called COPD is a progressive life threatening lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs. It is considered a progressive disease because it worsens over time. More than 12 million people are infected in the U.S., while another 12 million people are believed to have the disease but remain undiagnosed.
One of the most problematic health issues in our country is smoking.. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in America, due to its harmful contents. Although thousands of people die from it each year, it is one of the single, most preventable deaths. If tobacco production were made illegal, an enormous amount of lives would be saved. Currently in our country one in five deaths are caused by a smoking related disease (Tobacco).
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Christopher Lanenga Kendra Tillis Mandy Duea Marna Nersesian Michael Eiden HCS 330 October 4, 2010 Sheela Hirao Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Although many have heard of the destruction smoking and nicotine can do, much only associate lung cancer with this deadly habit; however, a more common disease can develop. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the most frequent form of lung disease, which typically develops after long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and the airways. COPD breaks down into two forms, which are chronic bronchitis, a long-term cough with mucous, and emphysema, defined as a destruction of the lungs over time. In the United States, approximately
A well-known public health administrator C. Everett Koop once stated that ‘cigarette smoking is identified as the chief, preventable cause of death in our society’. This point of view has been proven by various studies to lead to health complications (including -due to blood clotting in the brain-, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and erectile dis-function). Smoking itself is the single preeminent cause of death in the United States, causing 1/5 deaths (CDC, 2014). This habit is known for not only causing health deficits but worsening already-present ones; asthma attacks can be prompted by tobacco smoking and smoking can augment the gravity of said attacks. Smoking has also be found to effect fertility and the risk of stillbirth.
Before I talk about the direct policy on smoking, I thought I would share some facts about tobacco. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States. Smoking-related deaths/health issues effect an estimated four hundred and thirty eight thousand American lives each year. Ninety percent of lung cancer deaths among men and eighty percent of lung cancer deaths among women are attributed to smoking. People who smoke are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.
Then there's the most known "side-effect" oral cancer. Using chew tobacco has a direct effect on oral health. Cancers that distress the lips, gums, cheeks, or palate are quite frequent ("Smokeless"). Developing heart disease as a result of smokeless tobacco is not as familiar to folks as oral cancer. The user is at a greater risk of heart problems when using snuff.
The American Cancer Society states that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Cigarette smoking is directly responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases in the United States annually. Secondhand smoke, which is the inhalation of smoke from another’s smoking, is a cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers (“Lung Cancer and Smoking Cigarettes”). According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 3,000 adults that do not smoke will die each year from lung cancer due to breathing in secondhand smoke. Smoking cigarettes is by far the main contributor to lung cancer.
Smoking leads to a risk of developing mental and physical disease. This includes lung cancer, coronary heart disease and death through a stroke. Smoking also increases the chances of blood clotting. Nicotine also increases blood pressure and heart rate and thus the body's demand for oxygen, but carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry it. Obesity can be self-inflicted by the following: * Eating too many calories * Lack of physical exercise * Environmental factors * Cultural factors * Metabolism factors.