Cigarette smoke harms every organ in the human body and is a detriment to your health.  It accounts for nearly 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for more disease processes (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke) than any other risk factor.  Even more people are impacted by exposure to second –hand smoke.

Cigarette smoke affects the quality of life of people all ages. For seniors, smoking reduces bone density, is related to increased hip fractures, and cataracts (a leading cause of blindness).  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is consistently among the top 10 most common chronic health conditions and among the top 10 conditions that limit daily activities. Prevalence of COPD is highest in men and women 65 years of age and older (16.7% among men and 12.6% among women).

Smoking is not part of a healthy lifestyle.  It is a preventable cause of disease and ultimately death. Healthy living means taking action by stop smoking.  Ready to quit?  Help is available.  Talk with your Island Doctor provider. For additional resources call the Tobacco Free Florida program at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visit tobaccofreeflorida.com, today.