Alcohol, cigarettes beat LSD in list of harmful substances.

Alcohol, cigarettes beat LSD in list of harmful substances 

October 31 2009 | Times of India Bangalore 

London: Alcohol and cigarettes are more dangerous than illegal drugs such as cannabis, LSD and ecstasy, the British governments top drugs advisor has said. 

David Nutt of Imperial College London on Thursday called for a new system of classifying drugs to enable the public to better understand the relative harm of legal and illegal substances. 

Alcohol would rank as the fifth most harmful drug after heroin, cocaine, barbiturates and methadone, he said in a briefing paper for the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies at Kings College London.
 

Tobacco would come ninth on the list and cannabis , LSD and ecstasy while harmful, are ranked lower at 11, 14 and 18 respectively . The ranking is based on physical harm, dependence and social harm. No one is suggesting that drugs are not harmful.The critical question is one of scale and degree, said Nutt,the chairman of the governments Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
 

He added: We have to accept young people like to experiment and what we should be doing is to protect them from harm . AFP

One cigarette is enough to ruin your health.

One cigarette is enough to ruin your health.

October 29 2009 | Times of India Bangalore

Lighting a single cigarette can have serious adverse effects on young adults, says a new study. Stella Daskalopoulou at McGill University Health Centre found that smoking one cigarette increases the stiffness of the arteries in 18 to 30 year olds by a whopping 25%. Arteries that are stiff or rigid increase resistance in the blood vessels, making the heart work harder-the stiffer the artery, the greater the risk for heart disease or stroke. Young adults aged 20-24 years have the highest smoking rate of all age groups in Canada. Our results are significant because they suggest that smoking just a few cigarettes a day impacts the health of the arteries. This was revealed very clearly when these young people were placed under physical stress, such as exercise, she said.

Smoking can trigger back pain.

Smoking can trigger back pain: 

October 26 2009 | Times of India Bangalore

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 Canadian researchers have linked smoking to chronic lower back pain. In the study, boffins identified a higher rate of chronic lower back pain among people who smoke every day. According to Michael Cousins, the study found that smoking interferes with pain transmitters, causing osteoporosis. The condition resulted in chronic lower back pain which could also trigger a downward spiral in a persons life, he warned. Chronic pain is now regarded as a disease in its own right, said Cousins, who is a director at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.

Smoking ban cuts heart attack.

Smoking ban cuts heart attack 

Pam Belluck October 20 2009 | Times of India Bangalore 

Bans on smoking in places like restaurants, offices and public buildings reduce cases of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a report released on Thursday by a federally commissioned panel of scientists. 

The report, issued by the Institute of Medicine, concluded that exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increased the risk of a heart attack among both smokers and non-smokers . The panel also said it found that a reduction in heart problems began fairly quickly after a smoking ban was instituted and that exposure to low or fleeting levels of second-hand smoke could cause cardiovascular problems. 

Even a small amount of exposure to second-hand smoke can increase blood clotting, constrict blood vessels and can cause a heart attack , said Dr Neal L Benowitz, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco , and a member of the panel.
The report was commissioned by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

NYT NEWS SERVICE

In Europe, heart attacks dip by 10% after smoking ban.

In Europe, heart attacks dip by 10% after smoking ban 

Jonathan Leake  | Times of India Bangalore | September 14 2009

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The ban on public smoking has caused a fall in heart attack rates of 10%, researchers have found.
Researchers commissioned by the British government have found a far sharper fall than they expected in the number of heart attacks across England in the year after the ban was imposed in July 2007.
In Scotland, where the ban was imposed a year earlier, heart attack rates have fallen by 14% because of the ban. The success of the public smoking ban is emerging as one of the most significant improvements in public health that UK has seen, even measured by heart attack rates alone.
Over time the ban should bring more benefits by cutting cancer and chronic pulmonary disease killers also caused by smoking. We are amazed by just how big and how rapid (the benefits) are, said John Britton, director of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at Nottingham University.
The research into heart attack rates in England is being led by Anna Gilmore of Bath University . There is already overwhelming evidence that reducing peoples exposure to cigarette smoke reduces hospital admissions due to heart attacks , she said.
Ellen Mason, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: Exposure to cigarette smoke induces rapid changes in blood chemistry , making it more prone to clotting . In someone who has damaged arteries, smoke exposure can tip the balance and cause an attack.
Similar results were reported in western Europe after smoking bans. France had a 15% drop in emergency admissions for heart attacks after a year, while both Italy and Ireland had an 11% reduction . SUNDAY TIMES, LONDON

Smoking can help create stronger memories.

Smoking can help create stronger memories 

September 11 2009, Times of India Bangalore

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Smoking is injurious to health, everyone knows. Yet, a new study has claimed that it can help create stronger memories. Researchers, led by Baylor College of Medicine, have carried out the study and found that remembering what happened the night before might be easier for smokers as compared to non-smokers . According to them, this is because nicotine, the addictive component in cigarettes, tricks the brain into creating links between smoking and a feeling of well-being . They said that events such a drinking alcohol, dining with friends or even driving home from work can act as cues that give people the urge to light up, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Indian women puff their way to the top.

Indian women puff their way to the top 

Kounteya Sinha | TNN August 27 2009, Times of India Bangalore.

New Delhi: Indian women are among the worst in the world when it comes to smoking . According to the latest Tobacco Atlas, the country ranks third in the top 20 female smoking populations across the globe.
Only the US with 2.3 crore female smokers and China with 1.3 crore women smokers are worse off than India in this chart. However, as far as percentage of women smoking is concerned, it is below 20% for India. Among Indias immediate neighbours, only Pakistan figures in this infamous list, but right at the bottom at 20th with around 30 lakh female smokers.
Published by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation, the Atlas makes another serious observation female smokers in India die an average eight years earlier than their nonsmoking peers.
According to the Atlas, about 250 million women in the world are daily smokers 22% being from high resource countries and 9% from low and middle resource countries.  

Youth kills grandparents over smoking.

UP youth kills grandparents over smoking
19 Jun 2009, 1530 hrs IST, IANS

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LUCKNOW, India: An 18-year-old youth killed his grandparents in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district after they objected to his smoking inside the house, police said on Friday.

The killings took place in the Bauara village of Ballia, 300 km from state capital Lucknow, on Thursday.
"Ramdhar and Radhika caught their grandson smoking in the house and raised objections. In a fit of rage, Jugnu killed both of them with a knife," police inspector NS Yadav told reporters in Ballia.

"A servant who was present in the house at the time of the incident informed us after which we rushed to the spot. By then Jugnu escaped," Yadav said.

Smoking, second-hand smoke linked to breast cancer.

Smoking, second-hand smoke linked to breast cancer
24 Apr 2009, 1011 hrs IST, IANS
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TORONTO: Researchers say they have found clinching scientific evidence to link active smoking and second-hand smoke to breast cancer.

In reporting their findings, an international panel of researchers said they have "persuasive evidence" of the risk that smoking and second-hand smoke have for breast cancer.

"Until recently, evidence about the link between breast cancer and tobacco smoke, although voluminous, was inconclusive. But the panel's careful analysis of all available evidence, particularly recent evidence, led us to conclude that there is persuasive evidence of risk," said panel chairman Neil Collishaw.

"An estimated 80 to 90% of women have been exposed to tobacco smoke in adolescence and adulthood. Those women face an increased risk of breast cancer because of that exposure," he said.

A statement on the panel's findings said there have been many studies over the years on the relationship between cigarette smoke and breast cancer in women.

It said the panel reviewed all available evidence, including important recent evidence, and concluded that there was a risk even non-smoking young women face through passive exposure to cigarette smoke.

"The panel also concluded that the relationship of active smoking to both pre and post-menopausal breast cancer is consistent with causality, but there is not yet enough evidence to draw a conclusion about the nature of the relationship between exposure to second-hand smoke and breast cancer for older, post-menopausal women," the statement said.

Anthony Miller, who is one of the panelists, said: "It is important from a public health perspective to get the message out to the public, and young women in particular, that available evidence shows that both active smoking and exposure to passive smoke increase the risk of breast cancer."

The international panel was convened by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit of the University of Toronto and the public health agency of Canada.

Smoking triggers migraine attack !!!

Smoking more than 5 cigarettes a day can provoke migraine attacks
25 Jun 2009, 1204 hrs IST, ANI

The research prior to the work published in The Journal of Headache and Pain indicated that smoking could improve migraines by reducing anxiety, one of the factors that triggers an attack.

"This study is groundbreaking in Spain as there are few studies on this topic, and all are very biased. This is due to the complexity and need for prior training of the participants", Julio Pascual, one of the authors of this research and doctor at the Neurology Unit of Marqués de Valdecilla, University Hospital (Santander), explains to SINC.

One advantage of this study is that the sample used, 361 medicine students from the University of Salamanca, were fully aware what a migraine was. The experts, who enquired about the presence or absence of migraine (and its characteristics) and whether or not they smoked, guaranteed the reliability of the results obtained, as most surveys for this type of study are done over the phone, randomly and in people without knowledge of the illness.

The results show that 16 percent of students fulfilled migraine criteria, while 20 percent smoked. The percentage of smokers was higher (29 percent) in those who were also migraine sufferers and migraine frequency in those students who were migraine sufferers and smokers was clearly higher than in those who were non-smokers and migraine sufferers.

According to Pascual, "smoking is a precipitating factor of this type of headache, as the prevalence of active smokers is one third higher in migraine sufferers and there is a direct relationship between the number of cigarettes consumed and the frequency of migraine attacks".

The results of the interviews reveal that the migraine sets in after five daily cigarettes. Furthermore, although the percentage of those who smoked was higher in people with migraines, they smoked less than those who did not suffer migraines.

Children at risk due to smoking.

Children at risk
We need to spread awareness, says Dr S N Mothi

Times of India Bangalore, May 30, 2009

    There are three concerns of the effects of smoking on children from a pediatrician's point of view. The first is the impact on the foetus,when a pregnant woman smokes. Though one may argue that women here do not smoke as much as their Western counterparts,pregnant women smoking still remains a cause for worry. Babies who are born to such mothers are prone to be born below the normal weight. Cigarette smoking significantly affects a baby's weight because of a less resistant body.
    

Another effect on children is the high rate of sudden infant death syndrome. Babies of mothers who smoke are at a greater risk of suffering from learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. Severe growth retardation and foetal loss can occur too.
    

Chewing of tobacco is also equally detrimental. Most pregnant women do not realise this.
Leads to asthma
    

The second aspect is the effect of passive smoking on infants and children. Children belong to a high risk group as they are exposed to passive smoking. It is dangerous as it affects the respiratory tract. Passive smoking is one of the leading causes of new asthma cases and other respiratory complications among children every year.

Risk of picking up habit
    The third concern is children taking to smoking themselves.A permissive and liberal attitude of parents results in children trying out smoking. Curiosity makes them experiment. In a recent finding, it was revealed that less than 50 percent of school children were aware of the close association of tobacco and cancer. Thus, there is a need for meaningful awareness programmes.

Need for awareness
    There is a need to create a firm resolve among parents to quit smoking. Going with this year's theme, 'Tobacco Health Warnings',the aim should be to create more hard-hitting messages and show pictures of the effects of smoking to make a greater impact. There is a need for more campaigns against smoking.
(The author is a pediatrician)

Stop smoking, reduce risk of heart attack.

Stop smoking, reduce risk of heart attack
Dr Charit Bhograj outlines the dangers of smoking and explains how those who have the habit can quit.
Times of India Bangalore - May 30, 2009

    During the 20th Century, cigarette smoking and tobacco killed a 100 million people worldwide, a number that will be one billion during the 21st century. Ironically, for the first time in history, the leading causes of death - heart disease, cancer and stroke - are a commercial substance that kills the user when used in the intended manner. Around 67 percent of men here smoke when compared to the global average of 25 percent, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). India is the second largest user of tobacco. Tobacco smoke not only contains nicotine, but also 4,000 other substances, most of which are cancer causing.

Heart disease
    Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 45 to 50 percent.Passive smoking is associated with an eight percent increase in risk.Elaborate studies by the eminent cardiologist Dr S Thanikachalam in the 1980s proved that even one cigarette is enough to impair the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
    Smoking causes a state of inflammation throughout the body, increases the level of harmful cholesterol, accelerates the process of block formation and clots in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart and brain.
 

Cancer
    The leading cause of cancer worldwide is smoking. Carcinogens inhaled while smoking increase the risk of lung cancer 23 times along with cancers of the mouth, throat, food pipe, stomach, pancreas and bladder.
 

Lung disease
    Around 90 percent of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an irreversible progressive form of lung disease,is attributed to cigarette smoking. The inhaled fumes cause constant irritation to the lungs impairing their ability to absorb oxygen and remove carbon dioxide,causing progressive breathing difficulty. Ultimately, this leads to an advanced form of asthma where even the best medicine can only give minimal relief from suffering.
 

Substance of addiction
    It generally takes a teenager four cigarettes before he becomes a lifelong smoker.This alarming observation is due to the dual and seemingly opposite actions of nicotine - it causes stimulation of cretin brain functions, and at the same time,causes depression and calming.The actions are a result of changes in the chemicals in the brain that cause stimulation and the release of substances like adrenaline rendering the smoker awake and alert, and on the other hand, the release of chemicals such as dopamine in the pleasure centres that result in a calming effect and addiction.
 

Quitting
    Quitting smoking reduces the risk of death and heart attack by 36 percent, a benefit that is seen as early as six months to one year after stopping.Unfortunately, billions is spent each year on developing and marketing new drugs that benefit heart patients.They have not been as effective in preventing death as quitting smoking. Around 90 percent of all who smoke report that they would like to stop but only 40 percent of those who try to quit succeed.
    Smoking should be treated like any other addiction.Efforts to quit have been more successful while using a combination of counselling, support from family and doctors, nicotine replacement for a short duration of six months, and antidepressants that reduce craving.
    Together with your doctor,quitting smoking is a reasonable and achievable goal. 

(The author is a consultant cardiologist)

Ways to get rid of the Smoking

Ways to get rid of the addiction named Smoking

Times of India Bangalore - May 31, 2009

HELP AT HAND Psychiatry professor at Nimhans, Dr Pratima Murthy, says tobacco users who fail to give up the habit should seek medical consultation. The institute’s Tobacco Association Clinic helps those addicted to cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. “It is not easy to quit because of the powerful nature of nicotine addiction. A combination of counselling, NRT and medication is necessary in most cases. It is recommended for three months,” she said. The centre receives 350-400 persons every year. Of these, only 18-20% are able to quit. Many leave with reduced nicotine use, but most drop out early.
 

WHAT IS NRT?
Nicotine, in lesser doses, is given in different forms like gum or patches
It’s a short-term solution; has side-effects Nicotine patches: Stuck to the skin and slowly release constant amount of nicotine into the blood Nicotine gum: Releases nicotine slowly into the mouth
Nicotine nasal spray: Used like any other nasal spray
Nicotine inhaler: It has a holder that contains nicotine; inhaler delivers a puff of nicotine vapour into mouth and throat KILLING THE URGE
    

The therapy helps lessen nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke. When one inhales tobacco smoke, the nicotine moves quickly from the lungs to the bloodstream. Replacement products take longer — Dr Isaac Mathew | RESPIRATORY MEDICINE CONSULTANT
 

One can use NRT therapy products available in stores. Preferably, it should be taken under the supervison of a qualified doctor for controlled dosage and period of use. However, there is only 10-15% success rate — Dr Ganesh Iyer | CARDIO-VASCULAR SURGEON
 

TYPES OF QUITTING 

Cold Turkey: one decides to stop smoking abruptly Gradual reduction in number of cigarettes 

HARD FACTS 

>Tobacco is second major cause of death across the world
>One in ten tobacco deaths is due to brain death
>Five million die due to tobacco-related diseases per year Smokers are three times more prone to lung cancer
>Smokers are also three times prone to heart diseases
>Women smokers five times more prone to lung cancer than men

Warning effective from June 1.

Warning effective from June 1
TIMES NEWS NETWORK - 31st May 2009

Bangalore: A pictorial warning will be mandatory on all tobacco products manufactured from June 1. Speaking at a function organized by the Institute of Public Health on Satruday, the state’s nodal person for the National Tobacco Control Programme, S Prakash, said: “Pictorial warning will be mandatory on tobacco products manufactured after May 31. Along with excise and customs, other departments must also ensure its implementation.”
    
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute dean and director G T Subhas said: “It’s unfortunate that educated people who are aware of the ill-effects of smoking, like doctors themselves, are addicted. There is a need for educating people, enforcing laws and eliminating tobacco.” As part of an awareness campaign, a poster-making competition was held. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology organized a walkathon and magic show for schoolchildren.
    
SERIOUS HAZARD
Every 8 seconds, there is a tobacco-related death in India
Per day, 2,500 die due to tobacco consumption