The Truth About Tobacco Yeah, it’s bad for me. And..?

Tobacco…. Is a plant that grows naturally in North and South America. Leaves are dried and processed for smoking, chewing, and snuff. Has (2) general forms: Smoke tobacco- cigarettes, cigars, pipe Smokeless tobacco- snuff, chewing

The Spread of Tobacco Tobacco use dates back 1,000 years ago. 1492-Indians gave it as a gift to Columbus. 1500’s- Tobacco became popular in Europe. 1612- John Rolfe cultivated tobacco in VA. 1800’s- Tobacco was widespread but used in moderation. 1884- James Bonsack invented the cigarette manufacturing machine. 1892 Safety matches were invented.

Addiction The APA defines addiction as the repeated compulsive seeking/use of a substance despite its harmful consequences; it is characterized by the addict displaying 3 or more of the following criteria: Tolerance- need for substance Withdrawal- Experience uncomfortable symptoms. Loss of control- Take larger amounts; takes substance longer than originally intended. Preoccupation- spend a lot of time obtaining and using the substance or recovering from its effects. Continuation despite adverse consequences- gives up/reduces activities because of use or continues despite physical/psych problem caused or worsened by the substance.

The Consequences of Smoking Tobacco is the #1 most preventable cause of premature death. 430,000 American deaths each year are related to tobacco use. (More lives than alcohol car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.) U.S. spends over $75 billion in healthcare costs as a result of tobacco use.

Short Term Effects Bad breath Smelly clothes Discoloring of teeth Hacking cough Cravings Mood swings Elevated heart rate Elevated blood presure

Even the Rich and Famous Bob Marley Nat “King” Cole Babe Ruth Sammie Davis Jr. Desi Arnaz Ulysses S. Grant Cal Ripken, Sr. John Wayne

Second Hand Smoke Is the involuntary smoking of nonsmokers. It is the mixture of side stream smoke- smoke from the lit cigarette/cigar and mainstream smoke- smoke that is exhaled by a smoker. In 1982, the Surgeon General released a reported that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer and other health problems among non-smokers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A Carcinogen- only given to other pollutants such as asbestos, radon, and benzene.

Effects of Secondhand Smoke Death: 53,000 Americans each year Health Problems: Asthma Bronchitis Pneumonia Ear Infections Emphysema Lung Cancer Heart Disease

A Gateway Drug Tobacco is usually the first drug used by young peoples before transitioning to alcohol, marijuana, and harder drugs. If you use tobacco, you are at greater risk for using other drugs.

Quitting Quitting is both a physical and a psychological battle. Researchers recommend a combination of medication, change in personal habits, and a lot of emotional support.

Benefits of Quitting 20 min: blood pressure and body temperature returns to normal. 8 hrs: carbon monoxide and oxygen levels return to normal. 24-48hrs: chance of a heart attack decreases; nerve endings start re growing; ability to smell and taste improves. 2wks -3mos: circulation improves; lung functioning increases up to 30%; walking becomes easier. 1-9mos: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.