FCH – You and Your Health:
Published 1:30 am Thursday, February 3, 2022
It is Time to “Kick Butts!”
It is time to “Kick Butts,” and no, I am not talking about physically beating someone up. I am talking about kicking smoking to the curb and obtaining a world free of cigarette smoke and vape fumes. Taking on smoking in the world might seem like a big task. One might ask, what can I do? It all starts with each of us.
You might think, I do not smoke, so it is not my problem- the complete opposite is true. It is everyone’s problem; it affects each of us in some way. Whether it is our environment, our health, or the health of those around us- we are all directly or indirectly impacted by cigarettes and vapes. Some of you would like to help but do not know where to start. There are many things you can do to help. Being part of the solution and not the problem is the best way to help make Washington State smoke-free.
The American Lung Association is a great place to start and has many ways you can help make a difference https://www.lung.org/get-involved This involves events such as The Fight for Air Climb (challenging but fun). It is also running, walking, and cycling events. They also hold the Lung Force Expos for healthcare providers and the public, galas, social events, and education and training events. You can become a part of their leadership council or do a tobacco cessation training courses, either for adults, teens, or both. Look to see if there is a Better Breathers Club in your area, and if not, help make it happen. Another great way to get involved is Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action, which is targeted towards our youth as well as National Kick Butt Day. Help get our youth involved. You can make it something you do as a family.
Do you have an interest in politics? Consider getting involved in your local city, county, and state government to help end smoking and the advertising of products? You may also contact your local public health department and schools to see what you can do to become a part of making Washington State a smoke-free state. What about your place of employment? Be the voice to help empower employee health. Small steps lead to significant results. Start a forum, and you will be amazed how many others may want to help but do not want to do it alone. It is about caring for our environment and the health of all of us.
Speaking of caring, did you know that February is American Heart Month? We all know that smoking is bad for our health, including our hearts. Smoking increases the formation of plaque in your blood vessels which causes the blood to thicken and form clots inside your veins and arteries. The lungs and the heart work hand in hand- if one of them is damaged, the other will be affected. Use this month to improve not only your lung health but your heart health. We all know many things can contribute to heart disease. While some people are born with heart diseases known as congenital heart defects, there are many others that can be prevented. The most common cardiovascular diseases are heart attack, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart valve complications. There are many contributing factors to heart disease.
As I stated, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, increased alcohol consumption, the use of drugs, lack of physical activity, genetics, age, sex, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stress, and poor dental health. Do your part, care for your heart and join me for the month of February to discuss the major cardiovascular diseases, warning signs, when you should see your doctor or go to the emergency room, the causes, screening, the complications, prevention, and treatment.
Amy Bloodworth, RRT, MBA
Director of Cardio Pulmonary Services
Disclaimer: This Column is not intended as a diagnosis or recommended treatment of a specific condition. Answers are not a replacement for an individual medical evaluation. Individual health concerns should be evaluated by a licensed clinician.
