New study proves that second-hand smoke, even in minimal quantities, does more damage than previously understood.
I think there are few public health issues as important as smoking cessation. Like many people, I was thrilled when New Jersey outlawed smoking in public places. It’s hard to imagine a time when it was perfectly legal to light up in a restaurant, bar, or—worst of all—on airplanes. Not only do these no-smoking laws protect the public in general, they also allow non-smoking employees the opportunity to work without damaging their health.
We so strongly associate cigarette smoking with lung cancer that it’s always a surprise when a non-smoker succumbs to the illness. Think of Dana Reeve—the late Christopher Reeve’s wife—who died of lung cancer at the young age of 44 despite having never smoked. After working for many years as an entertainer in music clubs and as a waitress, she had been exposed to second-hand smoke.
I think people underestimate the dangers of second-hand smoke. If you are a smoker with family or friends that you truly care about, I think it’s important for you to understand fully the dangers of second-hand smoke.
I know what you’re thinking: But I go outside to smoke! Do your children ever come near you when you are smoking? What about your spouse or significant other? Do you smoke around your friends or other loved ones outside of restaurants and bars?
Scientists at Cornell Medical College have recently completed a study that exposes more of the truth about second-hand smoke—that the genes of non-smokers can actually be negatively affected by second-hand smoke. The results of their study showed that the genetic changes in people only minimally exposed to second-hand smoke were similar to those of smokers. Even worse, these changes were similar to those found in full-blown smokers and represent the first molecular stages toward future lung disease.
The cells of the lungs are extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke. The level of exposure to smoke is apparently irrelevant; any exposure to cigarette smoke can cause a response in the lung cells.
I hope this study has given you some food for thought. So many smokers feel powerless against this terrible addiction. And yet, we have a proven smoking cessation program at our Red Bank, NJ office that has shown to be more successful than any other type of quitting method.
Using Acupuncture to Quit Smoking Now in Monmouth County
At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, we recognize that the physical and emotional withdrawal from cigarette smoking can be an extremely unpleasant experience. As with any addiction, people trying to quit smoking often feel anxious, irritable, and have difficulty sleeping. An increase in appetite can lead to the dreaded weight gain often associated with smoking cessation. Some quitters also feel light-headed, have difficulty concentrating, and may suffer from headaches.
By assisting with the release of feel-good chemicals in the body, Acupuncture provides relief from many of these unpleasant symptoms. For example, Acupuncture promotes the release of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, emotions, sleep, and appetite. Increased serotonin has also been shown in studies to reduce pain, alleviate headaches, and better regulate digestion.
The ancient practice of Acupuncture also raises levels of endorphins in the nervous system. Endorphins act as natural painkillers because they resemble opiates in structure and function.
The Quit Smoking Now program in our Monmouth County office has a success rate of approximately 75%. Naturally, we are very proud of this statistic and hope that it inspires you to consider acupuncture in your quest to quit smoking. No other smoking product or program can claim these types of numbers. For example, only seven percent of smokers who tried nicotine gum or the patch were successful after six months. Even a combination of counseling and pharmaceuticals (Wellbutrin, typically) has only a 30.5% chance of working.
What’s even better is that our program is the healthiest option available. It is drug-free and does not involve additional exposure to nicotine.
After your initial acupuncture session, you will be advised to quit ‘cold turkey.’ Sounds sort of scary, right? However, our Quit Smoking Now plan generally includes five additional treatments over a period of two to three weeks. During this time, the usual anxiety, restlessness, and other physical symptoms are addressed through acupuncture.
To learn more about quitting smoking in Monmouth County through Acupuncture, please contact our Red Bank, NJ office today to schedule a consultation.
