What is laryngitis?
The larynx is the organ of voice. When we speak, two membranes in the larynx - the vocal cords - vibrate to make sound. Laryngitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the tissues of the larynx. It is the bane of performers and other professionals who depend on their voice for their art and livelihood.
What causes laryngitis?
Almost every person has experienced acute (sudden onset) laryngitis, usually associated with a viral infection of the upper airways. But the inflammation can be caused by any kind of injury including:
* infection
* vocal overuse
* smoking and other inhaled irritants
* drinking of spirits
* contact with caustic or acidic substances (including acid reflux from the stomach)
* allergic reaction
* direct trauma.
Why do the symptoms sometimes persist?
A more perplexing problem for professional voice users is laryngitis that is not associated with any signs of infection but which recurs or persists. This form of laryngitis, which lasts weeks or months, is termed chronic laryngitis.
Acute laryngitis may become chronic if the appropriate preventive measures are not adhered to rigidly.
What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
In acute laryngitis from a viral upper-respiratory infection, the voice becomes hoarse or is reduced to a whisper.
The most common symptom of early mild ‘irritative’ laryngitis is a feeling of postnasal drip with chronic throat clearing due to a sensation of secretions in the throat.
In chronic irritative laryngitis loss of voice quality with voice use, a feeling of irritation or of a lump in the throat, dryness or soreness (often worst in the morning upon wakening) may be features in addition to hoarseness (which often comes and goes).
Pain with laryngeal movements such as speaking or swallowing, is typical of more severe laryngitis. Chronic cough and wheeze brought on by exercise are signs of more advanced inflammation.
How is laryngitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis can be confirmed by inspection of the larynx by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. The earliest sign may be slight redness and dryness of the laryngeal lining with stringy mucus between the vocal cords. In chronic laryngitis the vocal cords often appear thickened.
How is laryngitis prevented or treated?
In acute laryngitis due to a cold the viral infection is almost always quickly conquered by the body’s immune system and lasts at most a few days. It is still best to rest the voice while the larynx is inflamed. This along with steam inhalations and avoidance of smoke and other irritants is usually sufficient. Antibiotics are rarely necessary.
Lifestyle changes are often the most important factor in the prevention of chronic laryngitis.
These should include:
* cessation of smoking and avoidance of smoky environments
* avoidance of food and liquids for two to three hours before retiring in order to prevent having active acid secretion by the stomach during sleep.
* raising the head of the bed, which protects the larynx from acid reflux from the stomach during sleep.
* medication to reduce acid production by the stomach if symptoms persist despite these measures.
* avoidance of throat clearing as this can worsen symptoms. It should be substituted by swallowing to clear bothersome throat secretions.
Voice therapy may be helpful in cases of faulty voice production.
Saturday 16 October 2010
Smoking and nutrition
Nicotine and the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke have a huge impact on the detoxification process of the body.
* Smoking causes cell damage, which leads to diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels, coronary and circulatory problems, respiratory disorders and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
* Smoking drains the body of many essential vitamins and minerals, affecting your ability to absorb these vital nutrients.
Smoking causes most problems for vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the body's main antioxidants. Antioxidants are linked to the prevention of a number of diseases.
The more you smoke, the more vitamin C you lose from your tissues and blood. But your body needs more vitamin C to counteract the damage that smoking causes to your cells.
To make up for this disturbance, a smoker needs to increase their vitamin C intake to around 2000mg a day. This can't be achieved by diet alone, so a supplement is needed.
Smokers should also try to increase their intake of antioxidants, mainly from fruit and vegetables. That said, no amount of supplements or antioxidants can protect the body against the damage caused by smoking.
The only real solution is to quit smoking.
* Smoking causes cell damage, which leads to diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels, coronary and circulatory problems, respiratory disorders and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
* Smoking drains the body of many essential vitamins and minerals, affecting your ability to absorb these vital nutrients.
Smoking causes most problems for vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the body's main antioxidants. Antioxidants are linked to the prevention of a number of diseases.
The more you smoke, the more vitamin C you lose from your tissues and blood. But your body needs more vitamin C to counteract the damage that smoking causes to your cells.
To make up for this disturbance, a smoker needs to increase their vitamin C intake to around 2000mg a day. This can't be achieved by diet alone, so a supplement is needed.
Smokers should also try to increase their intake of antioxidants, mainly from fruit and vegetables. That said, no amount of supplements or antioxidants can protect the body against the damage caused by smoking.
The only real solution is to quit smoking.
The Truth About Quitting
Why stop smoking?
We are all aware of the health risks of smoking.
Many smokers give up not only because of the health risks to themselves, but also to those around them, while others choose to give up in order to save money or to stop smoking from interrupting their daily routines. And some just want to feel better and for their clothes to smell better.
Whatever your reason for quitting, with NICORETTE® you are twice as likely to succeed compared to willpower alone.
What happens when you quit?
20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal
8 hours: Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal.
24 hours: Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours: There is no nicotine left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking and running a whole lot easier.
3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems get better as your lung function is increased by up to 10%.
5 years: Heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to same as someone who has never smoked.
We are all aware of the health risks of smoking.
Many smokers give up not only because of the health risks to themselves, but also to those around them, while others choose to give up in order to save money or to stop smoking from interrupting their daily routines. And some just want to feel better and for their clothes to smell better.
Whatever your reason for quitting, with NICORETTE® you are twice as likely to succeed compared to willpower alone.
What happens when you quit?
20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal
8 hours: Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal.
24 hours: Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours: There is no nicotine left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking and running a whole lot easier.
3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems get better as your lung function is increased by up to 10%.
5 years: Heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to same as someone who has never smoked.
Sunday 22 August 2010
Cigarette Smoke Causes Harmful Changes In The Lungs Even At The Lowest Levels
Casual smokers may think that smoking a few cigarettes a week is "no big deal." But according to new research from physician-scientists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, having an infrequent smoke, or being exposed to secondhand smoke, may be doing more harm than people may think. The findings may further support public smoking bans, say the authors.
According to a new study published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, being exposed to even low-levels of cigarette smoke may put people at risk for future lung disease, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Epidemiological studies have long shown that secondhand smoke is dangerous, but there have never been conclusive biological tests demonstrating what it does to the body at a gene function level, until now.
"Even at the lowest detectable levels of exposure, we found direct effects on the functioning of genes within the cells lining the airways," says Dr. Ronald Crystal, senior author of the study and chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and chair of the department of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
Dr. Crystal explains that genes, commonly activated in the cells of heavy smokers, are also turned on or off in those with very low-level exposure.
"The genetic effect is much lower than those who are regular smokers, but this does not mean that there are no health consequences," says Dr. Crystal. "Certain genes within the cells lining the airways are very sensitive to tobacco smoke, and changes in the function of these genes are the first evidence of 'biological disease' in the lungs or individuals."
To make their findings, Dr. Crystal and his collaborators tested 121 people from three different categories: "nonsmokers," "active smokers" and "low exposure smokers." The researchers tested urine levels of nicotine and cotinine -- markers of cigarette smoking within the body -- to determine each participant's category.
The research team then scanned each person's entire genome to determine which genes were either activated or deactivated in cells lining the airways. They found that there was no level of nicotine or cotinine that did not also correlate with genetic abnormalities.
"This means that no level of smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, is safe," says Dr. Crystal. He goes on to say that these genetic changes are like a "canary in a coal mine," warning of potential life-threatening disease, "but the canary is chirping for low-level exposure patients, and screaming for active smokers."
Dr. Crystal says that this is further evidence supporting the banning of smoking in public places, where non-smokers, and employees of businesses that allow smoking, are put at risk for future lung disease.
Co-authors of the study include Yael Strulovici-Barel, Dr. Michael O'Mahony, Dr. Cynthia Gordon, Dr. Charleen Hollmann, Dr. Ann Tilley, Jacqueline Salit, Dr. Ben-Gary Harvey, all from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell; Dr. Jason Mezey from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City; and Dr. Larsson Omberg from Cornell University.
Funding for the study came from grants from the National Institutes of Health, The Flight Attendant's Medical Research Institute, and the Cornell Center for Comparative and Population Genomics.
According to a new study published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, being exposed to even low-levels of cigarette smoke may put people at risk for future lung disease, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Epidemiological studies have long shown that secondhand smoke is dangerous, but there have never been conclusive biological tests demonstrating what it does to the body at a gene function level, until now.
"Even at the lowest detectable levels of exposure, we found direct effects on the functioning of genes within the cells lining the airways," says Dr. Ronald Crystal, senior author of the study and chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and chair of the department of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
Dr. Crystal explains that genes, commonly activated in the cells of heavy smokers, are also turned on or off in those with very low-level exposure.
"The genetic effect is much lower than those who are regular smokers, but this does not mean that there are no health consequences," says Dr. Crystal. "Certain genes within the cells lining the airways are very sensitive to tobacco smoke, and changes in the function of these genes are the first evidence of 'biological disease' in the lungs or individuals."
To make their findings, Dr. Crystal and his collaborators tested 121 people from three different categories: "nonsmokers," "active smokers" and "low exposure smokers." The researchers tested urine levels of nicotine and cotinine -- markers of cigarette smoking within the body -- to determine each participant's category.
The research team then scanned each person's entire genome to determine which genes were either activated or deactivated in cells lining the airways. They found that there was no level of nicotine or cotinine that did not also correlate with genetic abnormalities.
"This means that no level of smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, is safe," says Dr. Crystal. He goes on to say that these genetic changes are like a "canary in a coal mine," warning of potential life-threatening disease, "but the canary is chirping for low-level exposure patients, and screaming for active smokers."
Dr. Crystal says that this is further evidence supporting the banning of smoking in public places, where non-smokers, and employees of businesses that allow smoking, are put at risk for future lung disease.
Co-authors of the study include Yael Strulovici-Barel, Dr. Michael O'Mahony, Dr. Cynthia Gordon, Dr. Charleen Hollmann, Dr. Ann Tilley, Jacqueline Salit, Dr. Ben-Gary Harvey, all from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell; Dr. Jason Mezey from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City; and Dr. Larsson Omberg from Cornell University.
Funding for the study came from grants from the National Institutes of Health, The Flight Attendant's Medical Research Institute, and the Cornell Center for Comparative and Population Genomics.
Finland Bans Tobacco Display In Europe's Toughest Tobacco Control Law
ASH congratulates the Finnish president who signed a new law putting tobacco displays out of sight in shops. Finland joins a growing number of countries including Ireland, Canada and Norway that have adopted the measure to protect young people from tobacco marketing. [1] In several jurisdictions, including Scotland and England, tobacco manufacturers have initiated legal challenges to defend this highly effective marketing asset. [2]
The Finnish law does not stop at ending tobacco displays: it also makes it an offence for under 18s to possess tobacco products. Buying cigarettes on behalf of a minor becomes an offence punishable by up to 6 months in prison.
Martin Dockrell, Director of policy and research at the health charity Action on Smoking & Health said:
"Across the UK those who make and sell cigarettes have been fighting tooth and nail to overturn this legislation but the tide is running against them. Laws for smokefree public places started in a few small jurisdictions and rapidly spread across the globe. We are seeing exactly the same process here, the only question is: Will the UK be one of the first major economies to implement a display ban or will it be the first to cave in to tobacco industry pressure and reverse a law that has already been passed by parliament?"
Notes:
[1] To date 5 countries have implemented tobacco display bans: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Ireland and Norway. The ban on tobacco displays in Finland will come into effect on 1 January 2012. A ban on the sale of tobacco products from vending machines will be implemented from 1 Jan 2015.
[2] Legal challenges have been issued in England, Scotland and Norway.
The following is a summary of the new Finnish tobacco law:
The new objective of the Tobacco Act is to put an end to the use of tobacco products in Finland. The purpose is to achieve this aim by preventing in particular children and adolescents from taking up smoking. Finland is the first country to lay down the aim of putting an end to smoking in a law. The Government proposed passing the bill on Wednesday 18 August. The purpose is that the President of the Republic will approve the proposed Act on Friday.
The purpose of the Act is to restrict the marketing and supply of tobacco products especially in the everyday life of children. Not only shops but also private persons may not sell or supply tobacco products to persons under 18. According to the Act, even selling one cigarette or fetching a packet of cigarettes from a shop to a minor person should be interpreted as a tobacco selling violation, for which the person can be fined or sentenced to prison for a maximum of six months. It is also forbidden to offer tobacco without payment to minor persons, but this is not punishable however.
People under 18 are forbidden to import and possess tobacco products. A fine can be imposed on import of tobacco products, but possession is not punishable under the law. In the future, also sellers of tobacco products must be aged at least 18 years.
There will be a total ban on the sale of snuff in Finland, as the ban on import and sale will be extended to also apply to private persons. Ordering snuff e.g. via the Internet will also be forbidden. A maximum of 30 packets, each containing 50 grams snuff, may however be imported for one's own use. It will be forbidden to import snuff as a gift.
The prohibitions against smoking will be extended e.g. in facilities used by children and young people, the joint facilities of apartment house companies, events organised outdoors and hotel rooms.
In the future, tobacco products or their trademarks may not be displayed in retail sale facilities. Customers can at their request be shown a catalogue or be given a printed list of the prices of the tobacco products on sale. Furthermore, the sale of tobacco products from vending machines will be forbidden. The Medicines Act is amended to the effect that nicotine preparations can be sold, besides in shops, kiosks and gas stations, also in restaurants.
The Act enters into force as soon as on 1 October this year. The prohibition on display of tobacco products as well as the restrictions on smoking in hotel rooms enter into force at the beginning of 2012. The vending machines for tobacco products will be forbidden as from the beginning of 2015.
The Finnish law does not stop at ending tobacco displays: it also makes it an offence for under 18s to possess tobacco products. Buying cigarettes on behalf of a minor becomes an offence punishable by up to 6 months in prison.
Martin Dockrell, Director of policy and research at the health charity Action on Smoking & Health said:
"Across the UK those who make and sell cigarettes have been fighting tooth and nail to overturn this legislation but the tide is running against them. Laws for smokefree public places started in a few small jurisdictions and rapidly spread across the globe. We are seeing exactly the same process here, the only question is: Will the UK be one of the first major economies to implement a display ban or will it be the first to cave in to tobacco industry pressure and reverse a law that has already been passed by parliament?"
Notes:
[1] To date 5 countries have implemented tobacco display bans: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Ireland and Norway. The ban on tobacco displays in Finland will come into effect on 1 January 2012. A ban on the sale of tobacco products from vending machines will be implemented from 1 Jan 2015.
[2] Legal challenges have been issued in England, Scotland and Norway.
The following is a summary of the new Finnish tobacco law:
The new objective of the Tobacco Act is to put an end to the use of tobacco products in Finland. The purpose is to achieve this aim by preventing in particular children and adolescents from taking up smoking. Finland is the first country to lay down the aim of putting an end to smoking in a law. The Government proposed passing the bill on Wednesday 18 August. The purpose is that the President of the Republic will approve the proposed Act on Friday.
The purpose of the Act is to restrict the marketing and supply of tobacco products especially in the everyday life of children. Not only shops but also private persons may not sell or supply tobacco products to persons under 18. According to the Act, even selling one cigarette or fetching a packet of cigarettes from a shop to a minor person should be interpreted as a tobacco selling violation, for which the person can be fined or sentenced to prison for a maximum of six months. It is also forbidden to offer tobacco without payment to minor persons, but this is not punishable however.
People under 18 are forbidden to import and possess tobacco products. A fine can be imposed on import of tobacco products, but possession is not punishable under the law. In the future, also sellers of tobacco products must be aged at least 18 years.
There will be a total ban on the sale of snuff in Finland, as the ban on import and sale will be extended to also apply to private persons. Ordering snuff e.g. via the Internet will also be forbidden. A maximum of 30 packets, each containing 50 grams snuff, may however be imported for one's own use. It will be forbidden to import snuff as a gift.
The prohibitions against smoking will be extended e.g. in facilities used by children and young people, the joint facilities of apartment house companies, events organised outdoors and hotel rooms.
In the future, tobacco products or their trademarks may not be displayed in retail sale facilities. Customers can at their request be shown a catalogue or be given a printed list of the prices of the tobacco products on sale. Furthermore, the sale of tobacco products from vending machines will be forbidden. The Medicines Act is amended to the effect that nicotine preparations can be sold, besides in shops, kiosks and gas stations, also in restaurants.
The Act enters into force as soon as on 1 October this year. The prohibition on display of tobacco products as well as the restrictions on smoking in hotel rooms enter into force at the beginning of 2012. The vending machines for tobacco products will be forbidden as from the beginning of 2015.
Second Hand Smoke More Harmful Than People Think
Being exposed to second hand smoke, also known as passive smoking - non-smokers breathing in smoke from lit cigarettes around them - may significantly increase the long-term risk of developing lung disease, such as lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), according to a report published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The same applies to casual (occasional) smoking.
This is the first study to demonstrate what passive or occasional smoking does to the body at a gene function level, say the authors.
Study author, Dr. Ronald Crystal, head of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and chair of the department of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said:
Even at the lowest detectable levels of exposure, we found direct effects on the functioning of genes within the cells lining the airways.
The genes which are usually activated in the cells of regular heavy smokers may also be turned on/off in individuals with very low-level exposure, Dr. Crystal explained.
Dr. Crystal added:
The genetic effect is much lower than those who are regular smokers, but this does not mean that there are no health consequences. Certain genes within the cells lining the airways are very sensitive to tobacco smoke, and changes in the function of these genes are the first evidence of 'biological disease' in the lungs or individuals.
The researchers tested 121 individuals from three different categories:
* Non-smokers
* Currently active regular smoker
* Low exposure smokers
To determine what category they were, participants' urine levels of nicotine and cotinine were measured - these are markers of cigarette smoking within the body.
Each participant's entire genome was scanned to find out which genes were either activated or deactivated in the cell linings of the airways. The researchers discovered that there was no level of nicotine or cotinine that did not also correlate with genetic abnormalities.
Dr. Crystal said:
This means that no level of smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, is safe.
Dr. Crystal added that the genetic changes act like a canary in a coal mine warning of latent life-threatening conditions and diseases..
..but the canary is chirping for low-level exposure patients, and screaming for active smokers.
This is further compelling evidence in favor of banning smoking in public places where non-smokers may be at risk of future lung disease, Dr. Crystal says.
Second hand smoke - also known as passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is environmental tobacco smoke that is inhaled involuntarily by a non-smoker.
This is the first study to demonstrate what passive or occasional smoking does to the body at a gene function level, say the authors.
Study author, Dr. Ronald Crystal, head of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and chair of the department of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said:
Even at the lowest detectable levels of exposure, we found direct effects on the functioning of genes within the cells lining the airways.
The genes which are usually activated in the cells of regular heavy smokers may also be turned on/off in individuals with very low-level exposure, Dr. Crystal explained.
Dr. Crystal added:
The genetic effect is much lower than those who are regular smokers, but this does not mean that there are no health consequences. Certain genes within the cells lining the airways are very sensitive to tobacco smoke, and changes in the function of these genes are the first evidence of 'biological disease' in the lungs or individuals.
The researchers tested 121 individuals from three different categories:
* Non-smokers
* Currently active regular smoker
* Low exposure smokers
To determine what category they were, participants' urine levels of nicotine and cotinine were measured - these are markers of cigarette smoking within the body.
Each participant's entire genome was scanned to find out which genes were either activated or deactivated in the cell linings of the airways. The researchers discovered that there was no level of nicotine or cotinine that did not also correlate with genetic abnormalities.
Dr. Crystal said:
This means that no level of smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, is safe.
Dr. Crystal added that the genetic changes act like a canary in a coal mine warning of latent life-threatening conditions and diseases..
..but the canary is chirping for low-level exposure patients, and screaming for active smokers.
This is further compelling evidence in favor of banning smoking in public places where non-smokers may be at risk of future lung disease, Dr. Crystal says.
Second hand smoke - also known as passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is environmental tobacco smoke that is inhaled involuntarily by a non-smoker.
Sunday 13 June 2010
Passive smoking link to mental health problems
PASSIVE smoking has been linked to mental health problems for the first time by a scientific study that suggests those exposed to cigarette fumes are three times more likely to be admitted to psychiatric hospital than those free from nicotine exposure.
A study of more than 8,000 Scots also found that passive smokers were more likely to report depressive moods than non-smokers who steered clear of inhaling other people's cigarette smoke.
The research was conducted by scientists at University Co
ADVERTISEMENT
llege London, who examined a sample of 5,560 non-smoking adults and 2,595 smokers drawn from the Scottish Health Survey, a database representative of the general population.
Non-smokers were tested for second-hand smoke exposure by testing participants' saliva for cotinine –- a substance that acts as a marker that can reveal how much smoke a person has been exposed to.
Participants also filled out a questionnaire designed to measure mental health by examining happiness levels, experience of depressive and anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance over four weeks.
The questionnaire revealed how many members of the sample had suffered "psychological distress" – an episode defined as a low mood that fell short of clinical depression but could develop into a more serious condition. Analysis of the data found that passive smokers were more likely to suffer "psychological distress" than those free from tobacco smoke.
In the non-smokers with very low levels of passive smoke exposure, the rate of psychological distress was nine per cent. Among the non-smokers who experienced high exposure, the rate was 14 per cent.
"We found quite a strong association between passive smoke exposure and poorer mental health," said Dr Mark Hamer, the head of research.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said:
"We have known about links between active smoking and mental health problems, but this new research suggests that second-hand smoke is even more harmful than we thought."
A study of more than 8,000 Scots also found that passive smokers were more likely to report depressive moods than non-smokers who steered clear of inhaling other people's cigarette smoke.
The research was conducted by scientists at University Co
ADVERTISEMENT
llege London, who examined a sample of 5,560 non-smoking adults and 2,595 smokers drawn from the Scottish Health Survey, a database representative of the general population.
Non-smokers were tested for second-hand smoke exposure by testing participants' saliva for cotinine –- a substance that acts as a marker that can reveal how much smoke a person has been exposed to.
Participants also filled out a questionnaire designed to measure mental health by examining happiness levels, experience of depressive and anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance over four weeks.
The questionnaire revealed how many members of the sample had suffered "psychological distress" – an episode defined as a low mood that fell short of clinical depression but could develop into a more serious condition. Analysis of the data found that passive smokers were more likely to suffer "psychological distress" than those free from tobacco smoke.
In the non-smokers with very low levels of passive smoke exposure, the rate of psychological distress was nine per cent. Among the non-smokers who experienced high exposure, the rate was 14 per cent.
"We found quite a strong association between passive smoke exposure and poorer mental health," said Dr Mark Hamer, the head of research.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said:
"We have known about links between active smoking and mental health problems, but this new research suggests that second-hand smoke is even more harmful than we thought."
Greece to ban smoking in all indoor public places
Greece, a nation of heavy smokers, is to ban smoking in all indoor public places from 1 September because a partial ban enacted last July failed, the health minister, Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou, said today.
Last year's ban was largely ignored because of exemptions for small bars and restaurants, complex rules and the failure to crack down on offenders, and Greeks routinely light up cigarettes in taxis, larger bars, or even at work.
"There were problems in the implementation of the law, there were grey areas and contradictions," the minister said.
"We had to bring in new legislation ... From 1 September 2010, Greece will fully ban [smoking] in all public places."
Casinos and bars bigger than 300 sq m will be given eight months to apply the law, she said.
More than 40% of Greeks smoke, making them the heaviest smokers in Europe, and nearly as many are exposed to smoking at work, according to a European Union poll.
Smoking-related diseases kill about 20,000 people a year, costing the country an annual €2.14bn (£1.8bn), the health ministry said last year.
Bar and restaurant owners had complained last year's law was too complicated and was hurting business.
Some restaurant owners who had originally implemented the law put ashtrays back on the table after losing customers.
The government will publish a draft bill in the coming days, Xenogiannakopoulou said.
Last year's ban, agreed under the previous, conservative administration, imposed fines of up to €500 on smokers who broke the law, while bars and restaurants risked losing their licence.
Smoking is also becoming more expensive in Greece.
The government agreed in talks with the EU and the IMF earlier this month to increase excise tax on cigarettes by 10% as part of austerity measures aimed at plugging the huge budget deficit.
Last year's ban was largely ignored because of exemptions for small bars and restaurants, complex rules and the failure to crack down on offenders, and Greeks routinely light up cigarettes in taxis, larger bars, or even at work.
"There were problems in the implementation of the law, there were grey areas and contradictions," the minister said.
"We had to bring in new legislation ... From 1 September 2010, Greece will fully ban [smoking] in all public places."
Casinos and bars bigger than 300 sq m will be given eight months to apply the law, she said.
More than 40% of Greeks smoke, making them the heaviest smokers in Europe, and nearly as many are exposed to smoking at work, according to a European Union poll.
Smoking-related diseases kill about 20,000 people a year, costing the country an annual €2.14bn (£1.8bn), the health ministry said last year.
Bar and restaurant owners had complained last year's law was too complicated and was hurting business.
Some restaurant owners who had originally implemented the law put ashtrays back on the table after losing customers.
The government will publish a draft bill in the coming days, Xenogiannakopoulou said.
Last year's ban, agreed under the previous, conservative administration, imposed fines of up to €500 on smokers who broke the law, while bars and restaurants risked losing their licence.
Smoking is also becoming more expensive in Greece.
The government agreed in talks with the EU and the IMF earlier this month to increase excise tax on cigarettes by 10% as part of austerity measures aimed at plugging the huge budget deficit.
Monday 8 February 2010
Bans on smoking in public places significantly reduce the number of heart attacks
Bans on smoking in public places had a greater impact on the prevention of heart attacks than ever expected, shows the data collected.
According to two studies, smoking bans in Europe and North America has reduced heart attacks by one third to notify the British national broadcaster the BBC. New research published in two leading journals, "Circulation" and the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Benefits the heart is significantly greater than expected prior to publication bans, and the British 10 per cent previously published. rate.
Earlier this month, Britain published data, that in England alone of heart attacks decreased by 10 percent. after July 2007 have been banned smoking in public places.
Doctor James Lightwood from the University of California at San Francisco led the "Circulation" study, which summarized 13 different analysis.
His team discovered that heart attacks in Europe and North America started to decline soon after anti-smoking rules in force and over time their numbers fell more and more - after a three-year decrease of 36 percent.
"Although it is clear that we do not reach a zero rate of heart attacks, these data provide evidence that the short and medium term, a ban on smoking will help prevent many attacks," - he said.
J. Lightwood According to this study contributes to other credible evidence that passive smoking, the harmful substances in non-smoker person receives a passing smokers smoke causes heart attacks.
"Smoke-free workplaces and public places, the validation enactment of legislation is some of what can be done to protect the public", - he said.
According to two studies, smoking bans in Europe and North America has reduced heart attacks by one third to notify the British national broadcaster the BBC. New research published in two leading journals, "Circulation" and the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Benefits the heart is significantly greater than expected prior to publication bans, and the British 10 per cent previously published. rate.
Earlier this month, Britain published data, that in England alone of heart attacks decreased by 10 percent. after July 2007 have been banned smoking in public places.
Doctor James Lightwood from the University of California at San Francisco led the "Circulation" study, which summarized 13 different analysis.
His team discovered that heart attacks in Europe and North America started to decline soon after anti-smoking rules in force and over time their numbers fell more and more - after a three-year decrease of 36 percent.
"Although it is clear that we do not reach a zero rate of heart attacks, these data provide evidence that the short and medium term, a ban on smoking will help prevent many attacks," - he said.
J. Lightwood According to this study contributes to other credible evidence that passive smoking, the harmful substances in non-smoker person receives a passing smokers smoke causes heart attacks.
"Smoke-free workplaces and public places, the validation enactment of legislation is some of what can be done to protect the public", - he said.
Saturday 6 February 2010
Smoking and the consequences
Tobacco smoking is the most common addiction disease, causing more health problems and premature deaths than all other legal and illegal drugs combined.
World-wide pervasive use of tobacco is a growing problem, leading to increasing morbidity and mortality from tobacco-related diseases. The World Bank estimates about a third of the adult world people smoke, which is about 1.3 billion smokers in the world. Smoking is already cause 4.9 million. deaths every year, being one of the 10 deaths. It is the most important cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors and respiratory disease risk factor. Smokers often suffer from disease, and 25 on average, lose 5-8, and middle-aged men (35-59 m) in the group - 20-25 years of productive life. One of the two from his youth rūkiusių and nemetusių smoking numiršta from tobacco-related diseases.
Lithuania 2006 43.4 per cent smoked on a daily basis. 20-64 in old men and 14.5 per cent. women.
Effects of smoking
Tobacco smoke found that more than 4000 chemical compounds, of which about 200 actually considered to be harmful to health, and 40 are approved for Group A carcinogens. Carcinogens (various benzpirenai, nitrosamines, and radioactive polonium, etc.). Enter the body with resins and the most immediate harm to contact sites (lips, oral cavity, larynx, bronchial mucosa, and in recent years the occurrence of "light" cigarette smoking, and alveolar and interstitial lung tissue) and therefore long-term smoking leads to the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, liver and bladder cancer, also increases the risk of ill, and other forms of cancer. Mucous membrane irritant substance (acid radicals, aldehydes, etc..) Cause chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, epithelial atrophy and virpamojo so-called "smoker's bronchitis, and ultimately to pulmonary emphysema and chronic lung and heart failure.
Nicotine, sutraukdamas the small blood vessels, the walls of their deteriorating diets and encourages the development of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), creating a stable compound with hemoglobin, impaired oxygen metabolism. Both of these substances together increases the risk of ill ischemic heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, heart rhythm disturbances.
Nicotine is the main active ingredient in tobacco smoke, both active in the central and the autonomous nervous system, distorts neurohormonų metabolism and resulting in the emergence of dependence. Tobacco smoking is the most effective way to introduce nicotine into the body (smoking in the first dose reaches the brain within 10-20 seconds. But then the smokers received and all other harmful substances).
Effect of Smoking Health
Regular smoking health effects depend on the number of cigarettes surūkomų (entering into the body of harmful substances in total), smoking duration (length of service) and individual characteristics of the organism, and not all smokers smoke-induced effects occur uniformly. The most notable is a causal link between smoking and diseases of pulmonary cancer. By 90 to 95 percent. it was regularly sick smokers. All smoking-related forms of cancer leads to 30 percent. overall mortality from malignant tumors.
Chronic bronchitis is an inevitable consequence of long-term regular smoking. 75 percent. all respiratory disease associated with smoking, but it leads to only 3-4 per cent. overall mortality. The reason is that chronic lung disease takes a long time, and smokers during the time of death and other diseases.
Smoking leads to 25 percent. mortality from ischemic heart disease and is considered one of its most important risk factor, especially in combination with others (hypercholesterolaemia, arterial hypertension, etc.).. Young and middle-aged men smoking is considered one of the most important of their early death from myocardial infarction factor.
Causing circulatory disorders and sperm motility by reducing smoking leads to male infertility, smoking also increases the likelihood and impotence.
Smoking effects are particularly sensitive to your child's body. Studies have found that smoking among children in the lungs rapidly evolving genetic changes that can lead to lung cancer. Dependence on tobacco, they may occur after just a few cigarettes surūkymo, but after the first two years of smoking at least a few cigarettes per day smokers, students assess their health worse than non-smokers.
Female smokers suffering from the same diseases as smoking men, but on the psychophysical characteristics of their health suffer more. Smoking women get pregnant later, tend to be infertile, they tend to be dysmenorrhea and premature menopause. Rūkančioms women together, and taking oral contraceptives, especially susceptible to increased risk of ischemic heart disease. Nicotine and carbon monoxide easily passes the placental barrier and enters the fetal blood, and pregnant women smoking is dangerous not only them, but the fruit body. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy increases perinatal mortality, slows fetal and child development. Smoking women are more likely give birth to lower weight and preterm babies, their babies often die from sudden infant death syndrome.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking is called breathing tobacco smoke, polluted air. Passive smoking is harmful to both adults and children. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passive smoking is identified as Group A (confirmed) human carcinogen. Tobacco smoke irritates the eyes and respiratory tract mucosa, accelerates the emergence of fatigue, can trigger headaches, angina, asthma attacks, exacerbate the symptoms of allergic diseases. Frequent and long-term passive smoking increases lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and other smoking-disease risk.
Tobacco smoke are particularly vulnerable children whose parents smoke. These children are 1.5 times more often suffer from asthma, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, often visiting the clinic and other diseases. Such children struggling to learn, they experience more psychological problems. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, often twice the mortality, sudden infant death syndrome.
Smoking Quitline
About 70 per cent. of all regular smokers want to quit smoking, many of whom have ever tried to quit, but only 1 to 5 percent. who had tried to quit succeeded in becoming self-non-smoking (smoking years and more). Therefore, smokers are two-fold need assistance, one should be encouraged to quit smoking and to strengthen the motivation of stopping, others, already willing to give up and want to require different levels of medical and psychiatric assistance: medical consultation, the pharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, anonymous groups, telephone and other methods.
Separate ways to the effectiveness of aid is very different from the minimum (5% of self-dropping case) to 50-70% of the strong motivation of patients in the groups expected the best results when available to all routes of exposure.
World-wide pervasive use of tobacco is a growing problem, leading to increasing morbidity and mortality from tobacco-related diseases. The World Bank estimates about a third of the adult world people smoke, which is about 1.3 billion smokers in the world. Smoking is already cause 4.9 million. deaths every year, being one of the 10 deaths. It is the most important cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors and respiratory disease risk factor. Smokers often suffer from disease, and 25 on average, lose 5-8, and middle-aged men (35-59 m) in the group - 20-25 years of productive life. One of the two from his youth rūkiusių and nemetusių smoking numiršta from tobacco-related diseases.
Lithuania 2006 43.4 per cent smoked on a daily basis. 20-64 in old men and 14.5 per cent. women.
Effects of smoking
Tobacco smoke found that more than 4000 chemical compounds, of which about 200 actually considered to be harmful to health, and 40 are approved for Group A carcinogens. Carcinogens (various benzpirenai, nitrosamines, and radioactive polonium, etc.). Enter the body with resins and the most immediate harm to contact sites (lips, oral cavity, larynx, bronchial mucosa, and in recent years the occurrence of "light" cigarette smoking, and alveolar and interstitial lung tissue) and therefore long-term smoking leads to the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, liver and bladder cancer, also increases the risk of ill, and other forms of cancer. Mucous membrane irritant substance (acid radicals, aldehydes, etc..) Cause chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, epithelial atrophy and virpamojo so-called "smoker's bronchitis, and ultimately to pulmonary emphysema and chronic lung and heart failure.
Nicotine, sutraukdamas the small blood vessels, the walls of their deteriorating diets and encourages the development of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), creating a stable compound with hemoglobin, impaired oxygen metabolism. Both of these substances together increases the risk of ill ischemic heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, heart rhythm disturbances.
Nicotine is the main active ingredient in tobacco smoke, both active in the central and the autonomous nervous system, distorts neurohormonų metabolism and resulting in the emergence of dependence. Tobacco smoking is the most effective way to introduce nicotine into the body (smoking in the first dose reaches the brain within 10-20 seconds. But then the smokers received and all other harmful substances).
Effect of Smoking Health
Regular smoking health effects depend on the number of cigarettes surūkomų (entering into the body of harmful substances in total), smoking duration (length of service) and individual characteristics of the organism, and not all smokers smoke-induced effects occur uniformly. The most notable is a causal link between smoking and diseases of pulmonary cancer. By 90 to 95 percent. it was regularly sick smokers. All smoking-related forms of cancer leads to 30 percent. overall mortality from malignant tumors.
Chronic bronchitis is an inevitable consequence of long-term regular smoking. 75 percent. all respiratory disease associated with smoking, but it leads to only 3-4 per cent. overall mortality. The reason is that chronic lung disease takes a long time, and smokers during the time of death and other diseases.
Smoking leads to 25 percent. mortality from ischemic heart disease and is considered one of its most important risk factor, especially in combination with others (hypercholesterolaemia, arterial hypertension, etc.).. Young and middle-aged men smoking is considered one of the most important of their early death from myocardial infarction factor.
Causing circulatory disorders and sperm motility by reducing smoking leads to male infertility, smoking also increases the likelihood and impotence.
Smoking effects are particularly sensitive to your child's body. Studies have found that smoking among children in the lungs rapidly evolving genetic changes that can lead to lung cancer. Dependence on tobacco, they may occur after just a few cigarettes surūkymo, but after the first two years of smoking at least a few cigarettes per day smokers, students assess their health worse than non-smokers.
Female smokers suffering from the same diseases as smoking men, but on the psychophysical characteristics of their health suffer more. Smoking women get pregnant later, tend to be infertile, they tend to be dysmenorrhea and premature menopause. Rūkančioms women together, and taking oral contraceptives, especially susceptible to increased risk of ischemic heart disease. Nicotine and carbon monoxide easily passes the placental barrier and enters the fetal blood, and pregnant women smoking is dangerous not only them, but the fruit body. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy increases perinatal mortality, slows fetal and child development. Smoking women are more likely give birth to lower weight and preterm babies, their babies often die from sudden infant death syndrome.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking is called breathing tobacco smoke, polluted air. Passive smoking is harmful to both adults and children. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passive smoking is identified as Group A (confirmed) human carcinogen. Tobacco smoke irritates the eyes and respiratory tract mucosa, accelerates the emergence of fatigue, can trigger headaches, angina, asthma attacks, exacerbate the symptoms of allergic diseases. Frequent and long-term passive smoking increases lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and other smoking-disease risk.
Tobacco smoke are particularly vulnerable children whose parents smoke. These children are 1.5 times more often suffer from asthma, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, often visiting the clinic and other diseases. Such children struggling to learn, they experience more psychological problems. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, often twice the mortality, sudden infant death syndrome.
Smoking Quitline
About 70 per cent. of all regular smokers want to quit smoking, many of whom have ever tried to quit, but only 1 to 5 percent. who had tried to quit succeeded in becoming self-non-smoking (smoking years and more). Therefore, smokers are two-fold need assistance, one should be encouraged to quit smoking and to strengthen the motivation of stopping, others, already willing to give up and want to require different levels of medical and psychiatric assistance: medical consultation, the pharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, anonymous groups, telephone and other methods.
Separate ways to the effectiveness of aid is very different from the minimum (5% of self-dropping case) to 50-70% of the strong motivation of patients in the groups expected the best results when available to all routes of exposure.
Saturday 23 January 2010
A baby born healthy
Determination to have a baby - one of the most important decisions in life. If ask future parents what they would like to have a child, immediately išgirstume: healthy. In reality - health - the most powerful foundation for all future baby's life, and therefore need to take care of this foundation is when the only idea of gaining the baby is born.
Of course, the best place to start a new life when both potential parents are in good health. It is advised to seek further, or do not have a family of inherited diseases, to draw attention to the damaging environmental factors.
Recently, environmental pollution has increased dramatically. Pollutants can harm the baby or even the future cause miscarriage. Reuters agency announced that the United States, the study of neonatal blood taken from the naval found more than 280 harmful substances. More than half of them can lead to cancer development, while others - some development problems. Maybe contamination in Lithuania as lower, but still contemplating pregnancy should be chosen as a more secure environment and to make safer food products. For example, pregnant women are advised to avoid tuna and other oily fish, because their oil often elevated mercury, lead and other heavy metals.
Avoid fertilization and extensively cultivated or near the street of fruit and vegetables.
Food must be wholesome and varied, so it seems that the refrigerator no longer semi-local.
That the future mother's organism to obtain all necessary materials, it is useful for pregnant women to take special vitamin and mineral complexes.
During pregnancy, one of the most serious problems faced by the age ≥ - anemia. In most cases it occurs in the second half of pregnancy, but everything should take care in advance. Choose foods rich in iron: the tongue, veal, other types of meat, beetroot, strawberry (in season), apples, etc. Prophylaxis may be used as iron salt preparations. Iron absorption improves if it contains the addition of ascorbic acid required and group B vitamins.
However, by protecting the health of:
• eat raw or inadequately heat-treated meat;
• Avoid raw eggs, raw fish dishes (eg sushi);
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk;
• eat moldy food, even if, for cleaning the mouse, the products seem to be quite good.
Other tips
Folic acid is necessary for a future child of nervous system development. It is for this reason, in preparation for pregnancy is recommended that they use (1 mg / day). If you plan to become pregnant over the age of 35 years of age or earlier the family had a kid born in birth defects, such as., Cracked spine, the recommended dose of folic acid is higher.
Of course, both parents need to quit, refuse to binge drinking. When planning a pregnancy, it is recommended not only to provide a healthy diet, avoid stress, but also check whether you suffer from some diseases, especially infections, such as., Toxoplasma, sexually transmitted diseases. Even better, if you do a special blood test to find out whether you have immunity to infections such as rubella or measles. Illness, it would seem, "not angry" children diseases during pregnancy can cause serious health risks to infants. If necessary, you can get vaccinated against rubella, but the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant sooner than three months. Some doctors recommend vaccination against mumps and (pig), hepatitis B, tetanus.
Although pregnant women are required to visit a dentist, the best dental health check prior to pregnancy. Yes pregnant women not only avoid the stress, but also the additional X-ray irradiation. If you are already pregnant, do not forget to tell your dentist. By the way, healthy teeth should take care of daddy and the future, because kissing is not only the exchange of saliva, but harmful microbes that can harm pregnant women teeth, which in this period and thus are more vulnerable.
Without first checking with your doctor, you can not take any medicines.
About electromagnetic fields on
During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, it is necessary to avoid any factors that may cause miscarriage. Recommended for pregnant women to rest a lot, not overwork, to avoid electromagnetic field exposure. One of the biggest sources of electromagnetic field - the computer. A pregnant woman is recommended to reduce the work to a computer for up to 3 hours per day or, if possible, and more.
After research, found that those families which are very often used in electromagnetic field emitting devices (microwave oven, hairdryer, computers, and others), abortion is far more than such devices disuse families.
Waiting for the baby, prospective parents often look very much committed to their health and lifestyle. Remember that you do not folded sticks. Pregnancy - natural condition, it is necessary to take care of themselves, but the "glass enclosure" really unnecessary.
Contribute a better translation
Of course, the best place to start a new life when both potential parents are in good health. It is advised to seek further, or do not have a family of inherited diseases, to draw attention to the damaging environmental factors.
Recently, environmental pollution has increased dramatically. Pollutants can harm the baby or even the future cause miscarriage. Reuters agency announced that the United States, the study of neonatal blood taken from the naval found more than 280 harmful substances. More than half of them can lead to cancer development, while others - some development problems. Maybe contamination in Lithuania as lower, but still contemplating pregnancy should be chosen as a more secure environment and to make safer food products. For example, pregnant women are advised to avoid tuna and other oily fish, because their oil often elevated mercury, lead and other heavy metals.
Avoid fertilization and extensively cultivated or near the street of fruit and vegetables.
Food must be wholesome and varied, so it seems that the refrigerator no longer semi-local.
That the future mother's organism to obtain all necessary materials, it is useful for pregnant women to take special vitamin and mineral complexes.
During pregnancy, one of the most serious problems faced by the age ≥ - anemia. In most cases it occurs in the second half of pregnancy, but everything should take care in advance. Choose foods rich in iron: the tongue, veal, other types of meat, beetroot, strawberry (in season), apples, etc. Prophylaxis may be used as iron salt preparations. Iron absorption improves if it contains the addition of ascorbic acid required and group B vitamins.
However, by protecting the health of:
• eat raw or inadequately heat-treated meat;
• Avoid raw eggs, raw fish dishes (eg sushi);
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk;
• eat moldy food, even if, for cleaning the mouse, the products seem to be quite good.
Other tips
Folic acid is necessary for a future child of nervous system development. It is for this reason, in preparation for pregnancy is recommended that they use (1 mg / day). If you plan to become pregnant over the age of 35 years of age or earlier the family had a kid born in birth defects, such as., Cracked spine, the recommended dose of folic acid is higher.
Of course, both parents need to quit, refuse to binge drinking. When planning a pregnancy, it is recommended not only to provide a healthy diet, avoid stress, but also check whether you suffer from some diseases, especially infections, such as., Toxoplasma, sexually transmitted diseases. Even better, if you do a special blood test to find out whether you have immunity to infections such as rubella or measles. Illness, it would seem, "not angry" children diseases during pregnancy can cause serious health risks to infants. If necessary, you can get vaccinated against rubella, but the vaccine is not recommended for pregnant sooner than three months. Some doctors recommend vaccination against mumps and (pig), hepatitis B, tetanus.
Although pregnant women are required to visit a dentist, the best dental health check prior to pregnancy. Yes pregnant women not only avoid the stress, but also the additional X-ray irradiation. If you are already pregnant, do not forget to tell your dentist. By the way, healthy teeth should take care of daddy and the future, because kissing is not only the exchange of saliva, but harmful microbes that can harm pregnant women teeth, which in this period and thus are more vulnerable.
Without first checking with your doctor, you can not take any medicines.
About electromagnetic fields on
During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, it is necessary to avoid any factors that may cause miscarriage. Recommended for pregnant women to rest a lot, not overwork, to avoid electromagnetic field exposure. One of the biggest sources of electromagnetic field - the computer. A pregnant woman is recommended to reduce the work to a computer for up to 3 hours per day or, if possible, and more.
After research, found that those families which are very often used in electromagnetic field emitting devices (microwave oven, hairdryer, computers, and others), abortion is far more than such devices disuse families.
Waiting for the baby, prospective parents often look very much committed to their health and lifestyle. Remember that you do not folded sticks. Pregnancy - natural condition, it is necessary to take care of themselves, but the "glass enclosure" really unnecessary.
Contribute a better translation
Friday 22 January 2010
Nicotine in the blood
Nicotine - 1-methyl-2 (3-pyridyl) - Pyrrolidine - an organic compound, an alkaloid naturally found in tobacco plants - one of the strongest neurotic poison. Nicotine is synthesized Raknes and accumulated in leaves, resulting in them are found only significant concentration of nicotine. Physical properties: colorless, volatile, liquid, characteristic odor, brown in the air.
Effects
1. Carcinogenic effects. Nicotine affects other toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, a negative carcinogenic effects, by inhibiting the body's reaction to the potential destruction of tumor cells. Direct effect on healthy cells do not have a rollover cancer nicotine.
2nd Stimulation effect. Nicotine causes an influx of energy, helps with concentration, increases alertness, improves eye and hand coordination, memory, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, coronary heart blood vessels to collapse. Nicotine stimulates the adrenal cortex, increases the adrenaline and noradrenalin Breakdown. As a consequence - increased heart beat, increased blood pressure, minutely soul is, cardiac work and oxygen consumption mmiokarde. Smokers break 10-20 heart beats per minute, so a year in smoking among human heart shake 5-10 million times more than non-smokers the human heart. Peripheral vascular BAI is rapidly absorbed and pulmonary capillary wedge within a few seconds to produce high concentrations in the brain. During the oral mucous membrane, nicotine is absorbed slowly and incomplete. After 6-8 hours nicotine levels by 75%. When a man strongly felt by withdrawal symptoms. (anxiety, tension, irritability, depression, volatile moods, fatigue, sleep disturbances, impaired concentrating, increased appetite, weight gain, perspiration, chills, headache, dizziness. - accessories). Increases your heart rate, blood pressure and decreases appetite. At high doses, causing vomiting and nausea. Adults lethal dose of nicotine - 40-60mg.
3rd Dependence. Causes nikotinizma - addiction to nicotine. (Lack of nicotine (withdrawal) symptoms include irritability, headache, anxiety, sleep disorders. Symptomatic 2-6 weeks, I felt 48-72 hours after the last dose of nicotine.) Nicotine inhaled into the lungs with tobacco smoke is low (about 10mg), but it is enough to cause addiction.
4th Nicotine to enter the body enough to 7 seconds on the circulatory system achieve barrier brain and spread to the brain.
5th Nicotine raises dopamine smooth.
Pipe and cigar nicotine more than cigarettes, but their heavy smoke intensely irritating to respiratory tract, resulting in less smoke (including nicotine and inhalation. Cigarette smoke is lighter and less nicotine inhalation. A standard cigarette is about 20mg of nicotine. Part of nicotine break down from heat, part -- dissipates in the environment. into the body from falling on 2mg. lethal dose of the human body is 1 mg nicotine per kilogram of body weight.
Cigarettes with lower nicotine and tar yield is also harmful to humans. The organism tries to maintain a certain nicotine levels in the blood, so smoking "lighter" cigarettes, people include a deeper and more imbue carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.
Effects
1. Carcinogenic effects. Nicotine affects other toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, a negative carcinogenic effects, by inhibiting the body's reaction to the potential destruction of tumor cells. Direct effect on healthy cells do not have a rollover cancer nicotine.
2nd Stimulation effect. Nicotine causes an influx of energy, helps with concentration, increases alertness, improves eye and hand coordination, memory, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, coronary heart blood vessels to collapse. Nicotine stimulates the adrenal cortex, increases the adrenaline and noradrenalin Breakdown. As a consequence - increased heart beat, increased blood pressure, minutely soul is, cardiac work and oxygen consumption mmiokarde. Smokers break 10-20 heart beats per minute, so a year in smoking among human heart shake 5-10 million times more than non-smokers the human heart. Peripheral vascular BAI is rapidly absorbed and pulmonary capillary wedge within a few seconds to produce high concentrations in the brain. During the oral mucous membrane, nicotine is absorbed slowly and incomplete. After 6-8 hours nicotine levels by 75%. When a man strongly felt by withdrawal symptoms. (anxiety, tension, irritability, depression, volatile moods, fatigue, sleep disturbances, impaired concentrating, increased appetite, weight gain, perspiration, chills, headache, dizziness. - accessories). Increases your heart rate, blood pressure and decreases appetite. At high doses, causing vomiting and nausea. Adults lethal dose of nicotine - 40-60mg.
3rd Dependence. Causes nikotinizma - addiction to nicotine. (Lack of nicotine (withdrawal) symptoms include irritability, headache, anxiety, sleep disorders. Symptomatic 2-6 weeks, I felt 48-72 hours after the last dose of nicotine.) Nicotine inhaled into the lungs with tobacco smoke is low (about 10mg), but it is enough to cause addiction.
4th Nicotine to enter the body enough to 7 seconds on the circulatory system achieve barrier brain and spread to the brain.
5th Nicotine raises dopamine smooth.
Pipe and cigar nicotine more than cigarettes, but their heavy smoke intensely irritating to respiratory tract, resulting in less smoke (including nicotine and inhalation. Cigarette smoke is lighter and less nicotine inhalation. A standard cigarette is about 20mg of nicotine. Part of nicotine break down from heat, part -- dissipates in the environment. into the body from falling on 2mg. lethal dose of the human body is 1 mg nicotine per kilogram of body weight.
Cigarettes with lower nicotine and tar yield is also harmful to humans. The organism tries to maintain a certain nicotine levels in the blood, so smoking "lighter" cigarettes, people include a deeper and more imbue carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.
Monday 18 January 2010
Nicotinell Fruit
Components:
Nicotine
Packaging:
blister N2
blister N12
blister N24
blister N36
blister N48
blister N60
blister N72
blister N96
1. WHAT IS nicotinell
Nicotinell gum piece is white and rectangular.
Nicotinell is packed in PVC / PVdC / aluminum blister packs of 2 or 12 pieces. Blister packed in cardboard boxes which can be 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 or 96 pieces of rubber. It may not be available in all pack sizes.
Nicotinell is assigned a group of medicines which are used for smoking cessation.
2nd How does Nicotinell
Nicotinell contains nicotine, a substance which is one of the tobacco constituents. Nicotinell chewing gum, nicotine gradually released, which is absorbed in the oral mucosa. The nicotine substitute to reduce discomfort, often resulting from smoking cessation.
Nicotinell does not contain other harmful substances (tar, carbon monoxide) are released in conjunction with tobacco smoke.
3rd WHEN used Nicotinell
Nicotinell gum is used to facilitate the discomfort caused by years of smoking.
4th Before you use Nicotinell
Nicotinell do not take if:
- Are allergic to one of the Nicotinell ingredients;
- You do not smoke.
Before using Nicotinell gum should consult your doctor or pharmacist if:
- Have heart disease - heart attack, heart failure, cardiac angina, heart Prinzmetalio type of angina, a heart rhythm disorder;
- Stroke;
- Your high blood pressure;
- Your blood disorders;
- Have diabetes;
- Your upsurge in activity of the thyroid
- You have pheochromocytoma (adrenal upsurge in activity);
- Have kidney or liver disease;
- Have oesophagitis, mouth or throat inflammation, gastritis or gastric ulcer;
- Fructose intolerance;
- You are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those that have purchased without a prescription, because smoking cessation may need to adjust the dose of drugs
Patients wearing dentures, chewing gum, may lead to discomfort. In this case, it is recommended to use other forms of medicinal nicotine replacement therapy. Then talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
One Nicotinell 2 mg, Fruit, pieces of rubber is 0.2 g of sorbitol (E420). The energy value of - 1.0 kcal. One Nicotinell 2 mg, Fruit, pieces of rubber are 11.50 mg of sodium.
You should completely quit using Nicotinell.
Nicotinell gum vartojmas children and adults
Without a doctor's appointment, Nicotinell not to use children below 18 years of age.
Pregnancy and Lactation
You should try to quit smoking without nicotine replacement therapy. However, if you fail to quit smoking without nicotine replacement therapy, talk with your doctor.
Breast-feeding will not smoke or chew Nicotinell, because nicotine passes into breast milk. If you are attempting to quit smoking during lactation, Nicotinell should only be a doctor appointment.
Driving and using machines
Impact on ability to drive or operate machines when Nicotinell gum is used at recommended doses. However, it should consider the fact that smoking cessation may lead to behavioral changes.
5th How to use Nicotinell
Proper dosage is determined depending on how much you've previously rūkėte. Use of 4 mg Nicotinell gum if:
- Your dependence on nicotine is high or very high;
- You have previously failed to quit smoking using 2 mg gum;
- Threatened to start smoking again due to severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
The appropriate dose is selected in the following table:
Light and medium dependency on nicotine
Medium and heavy dependence on nicotine
Strong and very strong dependence on nicotine
Surūkoma less than 20 cigarettes per day
Surūkoma from 20 to 30 cigarettes per day
Surūkoma more than 30
cigarettes per day
The recommended low-dose (2 mg), Nicotinell Gum
Recommended small (2 mg) or high (4 mg) dose of Nicotinell Gum
The recommended high-dose (4 mg) Nicotinell Gum
If you take large doses of rubber significant adverse reactions, then it is recommended to use low doses of gum.
Instructions for use:
1.Vieną piece of chewing gum until the taste becomes sharp.
2.Palaikykite gum between gum and cheek.
3.Susilpnėjus taste again pakramtykite rubber.
4.Kartokite this procedure for about 30 minutes.
Dosage over 18 years of age:
Sukramtykite one piece of Nicotinell when you feel the desire to smoke. Nicotinell gum kramtykite every 1 - 2 hours. Usually sufficient 8 to 12 pieces per day. If you still feel the desire to smoke, you can still chew gum. Do not chew more than 25 pieces of 2 mg, and more than 15 pieces of 4 mg Nicotinell gum.
The duration of treatment is individual. On average, treatment lasts for 3 months. After 3 months should be gradually reduced sukramtomos Nicotinell gum content. The treatment ends when the day sukramtomi 1 to 2 pieces of Nicotinell. Nicotinell gum is not recommended for longer than 6 months. Some patients who had left smoking may continue treatment Nicotinell that again is not returned to smoking. If you are taking Nicotinell longer than 9 months, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Their recommendations can help you quit smoking.
Together with acid substances containing snacks, such as coffee or soda, may reduce nicotine absorption. The 15 minutes. against chewing gum, should avoid using these products.
What to do if sukramtėte more than the recommended Nicotinell
Nicotinell chewing too much gum, there are the same symptoms as surūkius too many cigarettes. In case of overdose nicotine normally seen weakness, sweating, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of hearing or vision problems, headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, shortness of breath, blood circulation disorders.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience these symptoms.
If nicotine poisoning a child, contact your doctor immediately. Even small doses of nicotine are dangerous to the child's life.
6th What adverse reactions may cause nicotinell
Nicotinell Frequently observed adverse reactions include dizziness, headache and sleep sutrikimai.Tokie the symptoms of quitting because of reduced nicotine levels in the body. It may also occur: dry mouth, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, salivation, mouth irritation, sore throat, facial pain as a result of intense gum kramtymo.Guma may stick to dentures or damage to dental fillings.
Less frequently gets fast heartbeat, rash, urticaria. Rare incidence of cardiac rhythm disorders, allergic reactions. These reactions, in some cases can be serious when there is swelling of the skin, swollen face or throat, blood pressure falls, there is shortness of breath.
If you have not mentioned or described in the above events, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Nicotine
Packaging:
blister N2
blister N12
blister N24
blister N36
blister N48
blister N60
blister N72
blister N96
1. WHAT IS nicotinell
Nicotinell gum piece is white and rectangular.
Nicotinell is packed in PVC / PVdC / aluminum blister packs of 2 or 12 pieces. Blister packed in cardboard boxes which can be 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 or 96 pieces of rubber. It may not be available in all pack sizes.
Nicotinell is assigned a group of medicines which are used for smoking cessation.
2nd How does Nicotinell
Nicotinell contains nicotine, a substance which is one of the tobacco constituents. Nicotinell chewing gum, nicotine gradually released, which is absorbed in the oral mucosa. The nicotine substitute to reduce discomfort, often resulting from smoking cessation.
Nicotinell does not contain other harmful substances (tar, carbon monoxide) are released in conjunction with tobacco smoke.
3rd WHEN used Nicotinell
Nicotinell gum is used to facilitate the discomfort caused by years of smoking.
4th Before you use Nicotinell
Nicotinell do not take if:
- Are allergic to one of the Nicotinell ingredients;
- You do not smoke.
Before using Nicotinell gum should consult your doctor or pharmacist if:
- Have heart disease - heart attack, heart failure, cardiac angina, heart Prinzmetalio type of angina, a heart rhythm disorder;
- Stroke;
- Your high blood pressure;
- Your blood disorders;
- Have diabetes;
- Your upsurge in activity of the thyroid
- You have pheochromocytoma (adrenal upsurge in activity);
- Have kidney or liver disease;
- Have oesophagitis, mouth or throat inflammation, gastritis or gastric ulcer;
- Fructose intolerance;
- You are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those that have purchased without a prescription, because smoking cessation may need to adjust the dose of drugs
Patients wearing dentures, chewing gum, may lead to discomfort. In this case, it is recommended to use other forms of medicinal nicotine replacement therapy. Then talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
One Nicotinell 2 mg, Fruit, pieces of rubber is 0.2 g of sorbitol (E420). The energy value of - 1.0 kcal. One Nicotinell 2 mg, Fruit, pieces of rubber are 11.50 mg of sodium.
You should completely quit using Nicotinell.
Nicotinell gum vartojmas children and adults
Without a doctor's appointment, Nicotinell not to use children below 18 years of age.
Pregnancy and Lactation
You should try to quit smoking without nicotine replacement therapy. However, if you fail to quit smoking without nicotine replacement therapy, talk with your doctor.
Breast-feeding will not smoke or chew Nicotinell, because nicotine passes into breast milk. If you are attempting to quit smoking during lactation, Nicotinell should only be a doctor appointment.
Driving and using machines
Impact on ability to drive or operate machines when Nicotinell gum is used at recommended doses. However, it should consider the fact that smoking cessation may lead to behavioral changes.
5th How to use Nicotinell
Proper dosage is determined depending on how much you've previously rūkėte. Use of 4 mg Nicotinell gum if:
- Your dependence on nicotine is high or very high;
- You have previously failed to quit smoking using 2 mg gum;
- Threatened to start smoking again due to severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
The appropriate dose is selected in the following table:
Light and medium dependency on nicotine
Medium and heavy dependence on nicotine
Strong and very strong dependence on nicotine
Surūkoma less than 20 cigarettes per day
Surūkoma from 20 to 30 cigarettes per day
Surūkoma more than 30
cigarettes per day
The recommended low-dose (2 mg), Nicotinell Gum
Recommended small (2 mg) or high (4 mg) dose of Nicotinell Gum
The recommended high-dose (4 mg) Nicotinell Gum
If you take large doses of rubber significant adverse reactions, then it is recommended to use low doses of gum.
Instructions for use:
1.Vieną piece of chewing gum until the taste becomes sharp.
2.Palaikykite gum between gum and cheek.
3.Susilpnėjus taste again pakramtykite rubber.
4.Kartokite this procedure for about 30 minutes.
Dosage over 18 years of age:
Sukramtykite one piece of Nicotinell when you feel the desire to smoke. Nicotinell gum kramtykite every 1 - 2 hours. Usually sufficient 8 to 12 pieces per day. If you still feel the desire to smoke, you can still chew gum. Do not chew more than 25 pieces of 2 mg, and more than 15 pieces of 4 mg Nicotinell gum.
The duration of treatment is individual. On average, treatment lasts for 3 months. After 3 months should be gradually reduced sukramtomos Nicotinell gum content. The treatment ends when the day sukramtomi 1 to 2 pieces of Nicotinell. Nicotinell gum is not recommended for longer than 6 months. Some patients who had left smoking may continue treatment Nicotinell that again is not returned to smoking. If you are taking Nicotinell longer than 9 months, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Their recommendations can help you quit smoking.
Together with acid substances containing snacks, such as coffee or soda, may reduce nicotine absorption. The 15 minutes. against chewing gum, should avoid using these products.
What to do if sukramtėte more than the recommended Nicotinell
Nicotinell chewing too much gum, there are the same symptoms as surūkius too many cigarettes. In case of overdose nicotine normally seen weakness, sweating, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of hearing or vision problems, headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, shortness of breath, blood circulation disorders.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience these symptoms.
If nicotine poisoning a child, contact your doctor immediately. Even small doses of nicotine are dangerous to the child's life.
6th What adverse reactions may cause nicotinell
Nicotinell Frequently observed adverse reactions include dizziness, headache and sleep sutrikimai.Tokie the symptoms of quitting because of reduced nicotine levels in the body. It may also occur: dry mouth, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, salivation, mouth irritation, sore throat, facial pain as a result of intense gum kramtymo.Guma may stick to dentures or damage to dental fillings.
Less frequently gets fast heartbeat, rash, urticaria. Rare incidence of cardiac rhythm disorders, allergic reactions. These reactions, in some cases can be serious when there is swelling of the skin, swollen face or throat, blood pressure falls, there is shortness of breath.
If you have not mentioned or described in the above events, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Smoke during lactation
Probably sounds at least strange, if not sacrilegious - it is long established that smoking harms not only the fetus during pregnancy, but the baby during breastfeeding. But whether it is strongly urging mothers to stop smoking, nepastūmėjame they refuse ... Breast-feeding? Mothers of breast-feeding mišinukais replace the cigarettes, the other, in a spirit of great conscience graužatį, breast and fog .. Facts and helpful tips on the subject share the PI Breast Center on Zivile Baltrušaitienė.
Naked facts
Female smokers intend to breast-feed less often, and start feeding their infants are breast-feeding for less than non-smokers. Smoking mothers milk fat content is lower, their milk contains nicotine. Rukan mother harms the child spreading his environment of cigarette smoke - the baby inspired a large quantity of carbon dioxide, increase allergies and respiratory diseases. Studies have shown that maternal smoking is 20-35 percent. increases the child's respiratory diseases. Rūkančioms mothers are more common in breast abscesses (bulbs) and the milk duct inflammation.
However, despite these facts, studies show that the reasons why smokers mothers suckled their babies or are breast-feeding them briefly, is psychological rather than physiological. Some female smokers may breast-feed during lactation and long, as if denying smoking influence milk production. It has been shown that smoking adversely affects "milk run" reflex and decreases prolactin levels. But was it really the only way out is smoking mothers to stop breast-feeding?
Is it possible to reconcile?
Maybe sounds paradoxical, however, expert opinion, in most cases, infant is in their interests and Rukan ZINDANI mother than Rukan and nežindanti. This is because smoking is often not so detrimental to the nicotine content of the milk as a baby's inhalation of cigarette smoke. It is not surprising that a baby whose mother smoking and it is powered by a formula, are more vulnerable than those who received breast milk protection. Of course, you should keep in mind certain rules and clearly determine what is still more important - smoking or puppy's health. If klaustume, or is it better to smoke during breast-feeding or not, the answer is unambiguous - better not to smoke. However, if klaustume, or to stop breast-feeding for the sole reason that we can not stop smoking, the answer can not be unambiguous.
If you can not resist the habits ...
Harm both the mother and child is evident and proven. However, we agree that, although many mothers know this, not everyone is able to resist the behavior. And it does not matter - hide it or not. In this case, it is essential to know how to reduce this damage - if not for themselves, then at least our babies.
In particular, it should be noted, that never ought not to smoke in the room where the baby. Rukan mother should refrain from smoking before breast-feeding - better immediately after the power supply. It is also important surūkomų cigarette volume - if you smoke cigarettes more than 8 per day, you might want to think about the reduction or cessation of breast-feeding. Rukan and ZINDANI mother should focus more on your diet and consume twice the vitamin C content.
Research shows that mothers who stopped smoking during pregnancy and used the patch or chewing gum to help giving up smoking, did not interfere with their babies, because nicotine content of these instruments is about one-third of the normal quantity of cigarettes. However, an important condition for using the nicotine patch or gum is that the mother must not smoke at the same time - thus dangerously increase nicotine content.
It is interesting
Recent research shows that children of mothers who smoke more likely to have fertility problems than non-smokers. Theory to justify the number of mice in laboratory studies, they toxin injection, similar to those in the human body within the cigarette smoke. These female offspring of mice after onset of fertility problems due to changed activity of ovarian and male descendants to spend less time in ejaculation of semen, which may also affect their ability to fertilize. The highest risk of offspring smoking occurs when the mother smoke during pregnancy. However, scientists noticed that the smoke contained toxins affects the fruit, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, until the future mother of the suspect yet changed its position.
Nursing mothers should avoid drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. Cocaine is excreted in breast milk at 6 hours after administration, and nursing infants may cause intoxication. THC - the active component of marijuana, and accumulate in breast milk will keep for more than one day after administration and is found in children's urine and faeces. Abuse of these and other drugs violates his mother's ability to take care of your baby.
Naked facts
Female smokers intend to breast-feed less often, and start feeding their infants are breast-feeding for less than non-smokers. Smoking mothers milk fat content is lower, their milk contains nicotine. Rukan mother harms the child spreading his environment of cigarette smoke - the baby inspired a large quantity of carbon dioxide, increase allergies and respiratory diseases. Studies have shown that maternal smoking is 20-35 percent. increases the child's respiratory diseases. Rūkančioms mothers are more common in breast abscesses (bulbs) and the milk duct inflammation.
However, despite these facts, studies show that the reasons why smokers mothers suckled their babies or are breast-feeding them briefly, is psychological rather than physiological. Some female smokers may breast-feed during lactation and long, as if denying smoking influence milk production. It has been shown that smoking adversely affects "milk run" reflex and decreases prolactin levels. But was it really the only way out is smoking mothers to stop breast-feeding?
Is it possible to reconcile?
Maybe sounds paradoxical, however, expert opinion, in most cases, infant is in their interests and Rukan ZINDANI mother than Rukan and nežindanti. This is because smoking is often not so detrimental to the nicotine content of the milk as a baby's inhalation of cigarette smoke. It is not surprising that a baby whose mother smoking and it is powered by a formula, are more vulnerable than those who received breast milk protection. Of course, you should keep in mind certain rules and clearly determine what is still more important - smoking or puppy's health. If klaustume, or is it better to smoke during breast-feeding or not, the answer is unambiguous - better not to smoke. However, if klaustume, or to stop breast-feeding for the sole reason that we can not stop smoking, the answer can not be unambiguous.
If you can not resist the habits ...
Harm both the mother and child is evident and proven. However, we agree that, although many mothers know this, not everyone is able to resist the behavior. And it does not matter - hide it or not. In this case, it is essential to know how to reduce this damage - if not for themselves, then at least our babies.
In particular, it should be noted, that never ought not to smoke in the room where the baby. Rukan mother should refrain from smoking before breast-feeding - better immediately after the power supply. It is also important surūkomų cigarette volume - if you smoke cigarettes more than 8 per day, you might want to think about the reduction or cessation of breast-feeding. Rukan and ZINDANI mother should focus more on your diet and consume twice the vitamin C content.
Research shows that mothers who stopped smoking during pregnancy and used the patch or chewing gum to help giving up smoking, did not interfere with their babies, because nicotine content of these instruments is about one-third of the normal quantity of cigarettes. However, an important condition for using the nicotine patch or gum is that the mother must not smoke at the same time - thus dangerously increase nicotine content.
It is interesting
Recent research shows that children of mothers who smoke more likely to have fertility problems than non-smokers. Theory to justify the number of mice in laboratory studies, they toxin injection, similar to those in the human body within the cigarette smoke. These female offspring of mice after onset of fertility problems due to changed activity of ovarian and male descendants to spend less time in ejaculation of semen, which may also affect their ability to fertilize. The highest risk of offspring smoking occurs when the mother smoke during pregnancy. However, scientists noticed that the smoke contained toxins affects the fruit, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, until the future mother of the suspect yet changed its position.
Nursing mothers should avoid drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. Cocaine is excreted in breast milk at 6 hours after administration, and nursing infants may cause intoxication. THC - the active component of marijuana, and accumulate in breast milk will keep for more than one day after administration and is found in children's urine and faeces. Abuse of these and other drugs violates his mother's ability to take care of your baby.
Sunday 10 January 2010
How common is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK.
In 2006 more than 10,200 people were diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK, that’s around 28 people every day.
There are more than twice as many cases of bladder cancer in men than in women.
In the UK, bladder cancer is the eleventh most common cancer in women, with almost 3,000 new cases each year.
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in UK men, with around 7,300 new cases each year.
Eight in 10 cases of bladder cancer occur in people over the age of 65.
Worldwide, an estimated 356,600 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed each year.
Read more in-depth UK bladder cancer incidence statistics.
How many people survive bladder cancer?Bladder cancer survival rates have improved in the last 30 years. Around 66% of men and 57% of women with bladder cancer survive the disease for at least five years after diagnosis.
Bladder cancer survival rates are higher for patients diagnosed at a younger age.
Read more in-depth UK bladder cancer survival statistics.
How many people die from bladder cancer?Bladder cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
Bladder cancer is responsible for the deaths of 4,900 people each year in the UK, that is around 95 people every week.
Almost nine in ten deaths from bladder cancer are in people over the age of 65.
The bladder cancer death rate in men has decreased by almost 30% in the last fifteen years.
Read more in-depth UK bladder cancer mortality statistics.
What are the main causes of bladder cancer?
Smoking cigarettes is the major preventable risk factor for bladder cancer.
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during childhood may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
The risk of getting bladder cancer increases with age.
It is estimated that between 5 and 10% of male bladder cancer cases in Europe are caused by occupational exposure to certain chemicals - this proportion may be higher in countries with less regulated industrial processes.
People with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with bladder cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
High bladder cancer incidence rates in parts of Africa and the Middle East are caused by urinary schistomosiasis, a parasitic disease contracted from infected water which is endemic in these areas.
Sunday 3 January 2010
Secondhand Smoke: The Big Lie
On July 17, 1998, United States District Judge William L. Osteen vacated Chapters 1-6 of and the Appendices to EPA's Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and other Disorders, EPA/600/6-90/006F (December 1992).
Judge Osteen wrote, "In conducting the ETS Risk Assessment, disregarded information and made findings on selective information; did not disseminate significant epidemiologic information; deviated from its Risk Assessment Guidelines; failed to disclose important findings and reasoning; and left significant questions without answers. EPA's conduct left substantial holes in the administrative record. While so doing, produced limited evidence, then claimed the weight of the Agency's research evidence demonstrated ETS causes cancer."
The reason science enjoys such weight and credibility is that it has generally been structured so as to encourage a wide scrutiny of methods, data and findings, peer review and a healthy debate from all viewpoints. In the end, faulty data and fanciful theories are laid to rest, and truth emerges the winner. Usually.
Scientists, like everyone else, are subject to personal bias. They can set out to prove a pet theory, they can ignore data which contradicts a favored hypothesis, and they can read into data facts which simply aren't there. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, their employers can be biased. Employers can put pressure on researchers or even research firms to validate a preordained position or to produce a desired result. Not that they really have to, since it is much easier to hire or retain investigators who agree with them to begin with. And even that is not necessary, since the employer gets to write conclusions and recommendations. Scientists who dissent can effectively be buried simply by not publishing what they have to say.
In an open and honest world, all of this would amount to little, since all sides would have their say and we could count on disinterested observers to wade through the fancy and glean the facts. In the case of secondhand smoke, for example, it is near impossible to find anyone who is both disinterested and of sufficient standing to be heard. What we have instead is a war of credibility over conflicting interpretations of biased reports. What we have is politics.
On one side are anti-smokers and the EPA. On the other, smokers and the tobacco companies. At this moment, the antis and the EPA clearly have the upper hand, enjoying as they do a credibility which is just as clearly undeserved. No one is surprised that the tobacco companies have a financial agenda. The same people, on the other hand, express astonishment at the suggestion that the government might actually have a political agenda. Or at the fact that the government, too, is an employer, with more power than most to select and pressure the scientists it employs and to bury the ones that dissent. Nowhere is this power more abused than on the subject of ETS. Last year's EPA report on ETS, the cornerstone of the anti-smokers' arguments, is worse than just bad science.
It is corrupt.
Corrupt science has two salient characteristics. First, instead of starting with a hypothesis and data and deriving from that a conclusion, it does just the opposite: starting with a desired conclusion, it then selects data in order to support the hypothesis. Second, it stifles dissent by excluding dissenters from the process of review and by using ad hominem arguments to question their character and motives. The EPA is guilty on both counts.
Of the 30 studies on spousal smoking referred to in the EPA report, only 6 found any statistically significant association between ETS and cancer in nonsmokers married to smokers, and none found a strong relative risk. The studies actually used by the EPA were limited to 11 studies done in the United States. Using the EPA's own Guidelines for Carcenogenic Risk Assessment, none of these showed a statistically significant risk. These guidelines call for a 95% Confidence Interval. By lowering it to 90%, only one of the 11 studies showed a statistically significant risk. More importantly, the two largest and most recent studies, one of which was partially funded by the National Cancer Institute, were omitted from consideration altogether. Had these two been included, no statistically significant risk would have been found even after lowering the Confidence Interval to 90%. Even after violating its own guidelines, in other words, the EPA could still show no statistically significant risk without selecting data to fit its hypothesis. This cooked data is the EPA's only basis for declaring ETS to be a "Group A" carcinogen. ("Group A", incidentally, does not mean "extra deadly". It simply means "human".)
The EPA's studies on ETS operate under a "zero threshold" hypothesis, or the assumption that if huge quantities of something are dangerous, then microscopic quantities are dangerous also. The data they used, however, fails to bear this out: virtually all of the studies used either found no risk at all or a risk so weak that it would not be considered significant if applied to other subjects.
A "strong" risk is one with an "odds ratio" of 5 to 20 - reflecting an incidence of the problem five to twenty times higher in a group that was exposed to something than in a control group that wasn't. 5 in a population of 100,000, say, compared to 1. (Or 500 vs 100, or 5 in a million vs 1; since it is a ratio, it indicates nothing about the size of the risk itself. Only the relative risk.) A ratio of 1 indicates no risk at all. Odds ratios under 3 are usually considered so low as to be the possible result of random variation or margin of error. The odds ratio of contracting cancer from chlorinated tap water, for example, has been calculated by the EPA to be 1.5 - not enough to worry about, in other words. Yet the EPA used an odds ratio of 1.19 - considerably smaller than that of chlorinated tap water - to classify ETS as a human carcinogen.
One of the largest and most recent studies of ETS is the Brownson study, partially funded by the National Cancer Institute. This study found odds ratios varying from .7 in non-smoking spouses of smokers exposed for fewer than 40 years, to 1.3 in those exposed for over 40 years. .7 is a negative correlation, meaning that those exposed to ETS for less than 40 years experienced fewer cancers than the control group. Since the implication that ETS actually protected those subjects from cancer is biologically implausible, the only other conclusion that can be drawn is that the study's margin of error, caused by random variation, is .3 or higher. This means that the 1.3 figure is equally suspect. The total risk for all groups averages out to exactly 1, or no risk at all.
The Brownson study was available to the EPA, but was not used in its report. Had it been included, the conclusions would have had to have been revised downwards to show no risk.
Though the EPA claims a "19% increase in risk", the actual order of magnitude is less than intimidating. Even if the odds ratio of 1.19 is eventually found to be accurate and not the result of random variation, what this would mean is that instead of the 6 lung cancers per year normally expected in a population of 100,000, we might find 7. Put another way, the average lifetime risk of dying from exposure to ETS (as opposed to eventually dying of something else) would be about 1 in 700. Furthermore, the risk (if real) is concentrated among the non-smoking spouses of smokers exposed to ETS (a heavier exposure than that found elsewhere) for upwards of 40 years, and cannot be extrapolated to include the general population. By way of comparison, the December, 1989 study by the Department of Transportation estimated the probability of contracting cancer from the cosmic radiation at cruising altitude as being some 2,000 times greater than the risk posed by ETS while on the aircraft. The question is, is this sufficient grounds to justify the subjugation of 50 million people? Before you answer, consider this: driving across town to your favorite restaurant entails a risk many times higher - 17 to be exact - than inhaling any secondhand smoke once you get there. If you include the risks associated with the food and drink you are likely to consume there, that multiple rises to over 450. And if you choose one of the many non-smoking restaurants provided by a free market, you get no exposure at all.
A look at the people who worked on this study explains this twisted methodology. Leading anti-smokers pervade both the EPA and the Science Advisory Board responsible for reviewing its analysis, and some of the work was contracted to the founder of a prominent anti-smoking group. It should come as no surprise that the EPA's Workplace Policy Guide was written well before the ETS risk study was completed.
The underlying philosophy at work here is that the end justifies the means; that since a smoke-free society is deemed to be a worthy goal, manipulation of data and even lies are permissible in achieving it. The EPA official responsible for the report admitted in "Science" magazine (7/31/92) that "she and her colleagues had engaged in some fancy statistical footwork" in order to arrive at the indictment of ETS. The opinions of dissenting EPA scientists were ignored, and references to works not in accordance with the EPA position were omitted from the bibliography of the report. Finally, those gainsayers who actually manage to make themselves heard are refuted not with data and reason but with character assassination.
Corrupt scientists have always been eager to ride the bandwagon of popular opinion. Early in this century, Russian scientists drew diagrams purporting to show that the skulls of Jews were smaller than average, reflecting a smaller brain and therefore a lowered intelligence and moral sense. This "justified" the pogroms. In our own country, studies claiming a lower IQ among African Americans (referred to in the studies as "Negroes") "justified" segregation. The damage done by these studies took decades to undo, while millions suffered. Both conclusions share an insidious and horrifying circularity: if the subject of the slur has the temerity to question the evidence, the response is "You can't believe him, he's stupid. Look: my charts prove it!" And that is exactly what is being repeated today. Using corrupt science, the EPA has manufactured a conclusion which states, in effect, that smokers and the tobacco companies are killing 3,000 Americans each year and are by implication morally corrupt. When anyone disagrees, the anti-smokers have the perfect counter argument: "You can't believe them, they're morally corrupt. Look: the EPA report proves it!"
"Political science" has taken on a whole new meaning.
Judge Osteen wrote, "In conducting the ETS Risk Assessment, disregarded information and made findings on selective information; did not disseminate significant epidemiologic information; deviated from its Risk Assessment Guidelines; failed to disclose important findings and reasoning; and left significant questions without answers. EPA's conduct left substantial holes in the administrative record. While so doing, produced limited evidence, then claimed the weight of the Agency's research evidence demonstrated ETS causes cancer."
The reason science enjoys such weight and credibility is that it has generally been structured so as to encourage a wide scrutiny of methods, data and findings, peer review and a healthy debate from all viewpoints. In the end, faulty data and fanciful theories are laid to rest, and truth emerges the winner. Usually.
Scientists, like everyone else, are subject to personal bias. They can set out to prove a pet theory, they can ignore data which contradicts a favored hypothesis, and they can read into data facts which simply aren't there. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, their employers can be biased. Employers can put pressure on researchers or even research firms to validate a preordained position or to produce a desired result. Not that they really have to, since it is much easier to hire or retain investigators who agree with them to begin with. And even that is not necessary, since the employer gets to write conclusions and recommendations. Scientists who dissent can effectively be buried simply by not publishing what they have to say.
In an open and honest world, all of this would amount to little, since all sides would have their say and we could count on disinterested observers to wade through the fancy and glean the facts. In the case of secondhand smoke, for example, it is near impossible to find anyone who is both disinterested and of sufficient standing to be heard. What we have instead is a war of credibility over conflicting interpretations of biased reports. What we have is politics.
On one side are anti-smokers and the EPA. On the other, smokers and the tobacco companies. At this moment, the antis and the EPA clearly have the upper hand, enjoying as they do a credibility which is just as clearly undeserved. No one is surprised that the tobacco companies have a financial agenda. The same people, on the other hand, express astonishment at the suggestion that the government might actually have a political agenda. Or at the fact that the government, too, is an employer, with more power than most to select and pressure the scientists it employs and to bury the ones that dissent. Nowhere is this power more abused than on the subject of ETS. Last year's EPA report on ETS, the cornerstone of the anti-smokers' arguments, is worse than just bad science.
It is corrupt.
Corrupt science has two salient characteristics. First, instead of starting with a hypothesis and data and deriving from that a conclusion, it does just the opposite: starting with a desired conclusion, it then selects data in order to support the hypothesis. Second, it stifles dissent by excluding dissenters from the process of review and by using ad hominem arguments to question their character and motives. The EPA is guilty on both counts.
Of the 30 studies on spousal smoking referred to in the EPA report, only 6 found any statistically significant association between ETS and cancer in nonsmokers married to smokers, and none found a strong relative risk. The studies actually used by the EPA were limited to 11 studies done in the United States. Using the EPA's own Guidelines for Carcenogenic Risk Assessment, none of these showed a statistically significant risk. These guidelines call for a 95% Confidence Interval. By lowering it to 90%, only one of the 11 studies showed a statistically significant risk. More importantly, the two largest and most recent studies, one of which was partially funded by the National Cancer Institute, were omitted from consideration altogether. Had these two been included, no statistically significant risk would have been found even after lowering the Confidence Interval to 90%. Even after violating its own guidelines, in other words, the EPA could still show no statistically significant risk without selecting data to fit its hypothesis. This cooked data is the EPA's only basis for declaring ETS to be a "Group A" carcinogen. ("Group A", incidentally, does not mean "extra deadly". It simply means "human".)
The EPA's studies on ETS operate under a "zero threshold" hypothesis, or the assumption that if huge quantities of something are dangerous, then microscopic quantities are dangerous also. The data they used, however, fails to bear this out: virtually all of the studies used either found no risk at all or a risk so weak that it would not be considered significant if applied to other subjects.
A "strong" risk is one with an "odds ratio" of 5 to 20 - reflecting an incidence of the problem five to twenty times higher in a group that was exposed to something than in a control group that wasn't. 5 in a population of 100,000, say, compared to 1. (Or 500 vs 100, or 5 in a million vs 1; since it is a ratio, it indicates nothing about the size of the risk itself. Only the relative risk.) A ratio of 1 indicates no risk at all. Odds ratios under 3 are usually considered so low as to be the possible result of random variation or margin of error. The odds ratio of contracting cancer from chlorinated tap water, for example, has been calculated by the EPA to be 1.5 - not enough to worry about, in other words. Yet the EPA used an odds ratio of 1.19 - considerably smaller than that of chlorinated tap water - to classify ETS as a human carcinogen.
One of the largest and most recent studies of ETS is the Brownson study, partially funded by the National Cancer Institute. This study found odds ratios varying from .7 in non-smoking spouses of smokers exposed for fewer than 40 years, to 1.3 in those exposed for over 40 years. .7 is a negative correlation, meaning that those exposed to ETS for less than 40 years experienced fewer cancers than the control group. Since the implication that ETS actually protected those subjects from cancer is biologically implausible, the only other conclusion that can be drawn is that the study's margin of error, caused by random variation, is .3 or higher. This means that the 1.3 figure is equally suspect. The total risk for all groups averages out to exactly 1, or no risk at all.
The Brownson study was available to the EPA, but was not used in its report. Had it been included, the conclusions would have had to have been revised downwards to show no risk.
Though the EPA claims a "19% increase in risk", the actual order of magnitude is less than intimidating. Even if the odds ratio of 1.19 is eventually found to be accurate and not the result of random variation, what this would mean is that instead of the 6 lung cancers per year normally expected in a population of 100,000, we might find 7. Put another way, the average lifetime risk of dying from exposure to ETS (as opposed to eventually dying of something else) would be about 1 in 700. Furthermore, the risk (if real) is concentrated among the non-smoking spouses of smokers exposed to ETS (a heavier exposure than that found elsewhere) for upwards of 40 years, and cannot be extrapolated to include the general population. By way of comparison, the December, 1989 study by the Department of Transportation estimated the probability of contracting cancer from the cosmic radiation at cruising altitude as being some 2,000 times greater than the risk posed by ETS while on the aircraft. The question is, is this sufficient grounds to justify the subjugation of 50 million people? Before you answer, consider this: driving across town to your favorite restaurant entails a risk many times higher - 17 to be exact - than inhaling any secondhand smoke once you get there. If you include the risks associated with the food and drink you are likely to consume there, that multiple rises to over 450. And if you choose one of the many non-smoking restaurants provided by a free market, you get no exposure at all.
A look at the people who worked on this study explains this twisted methodology. Leading anti-smokers pervade both the EPA and the Science Advisory Board responsible for reviewing its analysis, and some of the work was contracted to the founder of a prominent anti-smoking group. It should come as no surprise that the EPA's Workplace Policy Guide was written well before the ETS risk study was completed.
The underlying philosophy at work here is that the end justifies the means; that since a smoke-free society is deemed to be a worthy goal, manipulation of data and even lies are permissible in achieving it. The EPA official responsible for the report admitted in "Science" magazine (7/31/92) that "she and her colleagues had engaged in some fancy statistical footwork" in order to arrive at the indictment of ETS. The opinions of dissenting EPA scientists were ignored, and references to works not in accordance with the EPA position were omitted from the bibliography of the report. Finally, those gainsayers who actually manage to make themselves heard are refuted not with data and reason but with character assassination.
Corrupt scientists have always been eager to ride the bandwagon of popular opinion. Early in this century, Russian scientists drew diagrams purporting to show that the skulls of Jews were smaller than average, reflecting a smaller brain and therefore a lowered intelligence and moral sense. This "justified" the pogroms. In our own country, studies claiming a lower IQ among African Americans (referred to in the studies as "Negroes") "justified" segregation. The damage done by these studies took decades to undo, while millions suffered. Both conclusions share an insidious and horrifying circularity: if the subject of the slur has the temerity to question the evidence, the response is "You can't believe him, he's stupid. Look: my charts prove it!" And that is exactly what is being repeated today. Using corrupt science, the EPA has manufactured a conclusion which states, in effect, that smokers and the tobacco companies are killing 3,000 Americans each year and are by implication morally corrupt. When anyone disagrees, the anti-smokers have the perfect counter argument: "You can't believe them, they're morally corrupt. Look: the EPA report proves it!"
"Political science" has taken on a whole new meaning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)