Ellen Campbell-Grizzle
WHEN SOMEONE lights up a cigarette in your home, that person is releasing cancer-causing chemicals. Regular ventilation systems in homes cannot filter and circulate air well enough to eliminate second-hand smoke.
Your children are most affected by second-hand smoke. Their bodies are still developing and exposure to the poisons puts children in danger of severe respiratory diseases. Exposure to this Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) causes a greater number and severity of asthma attacks in children. ETS increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and middle ear infections in the young.
THREAT TO NON-SMOKERS
Involuntary exposure to ETS remains a common, serious, public health hazard. The exposure levels of non-smokers to ETS is checked by analysing the levels of cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine, in the blood, saliva or urine. Serum cotinine levels track exposure to tobacco smoke and its toxic constituents. In 1991, data showed that nearly 90 per cent of the United States population had measurable levels of this chemical in their blood.
The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) report, 'Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals' states that there has been a 75 per cent decrease in median cotinine levels for non-smokers in the United States since 1991. However, children and teenagers, three to 19 years old, have higher levels of cotinine than adults, 20 years old and above. This reduction is attributable to vigorous prevention campaigns, regulations, policies and laws requiring smoke-free environments in schools, work sites and public places.
Children are most at risk to second-hand smoking. They can be powerful advocates against smoking. They must be taught how to protect themselves. Teach them how to politely ask persons not to smoke around them. They need to know:-
Why cigarette smoke is dangerous to health.
Why cigarettes are addictive.
The short- and long-term consequences of smoking.
How to resist offers of cigarettes from peers and marketers.
You have the power to reap the benefits of a smoke-free home.
Tell your guests not to smoke in your home.
Explain the facts about the hazards of second-hand smoke to your family and your pets.
Offer your visitor chewing gums or mints as an option to lighting up.
Encourage them to quit smoking.
TIME TO QUIT
Remember, smoking and second-hand smoke are dangerous to your health. If you smoke, it is time to quit! Take the decision today to:
Throw away all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
In two to three minutes when you feel the urge to smoke, take deep breaths and let them out slowly, then drink a glass of water.
Put gum, hard candy or toothpicks in your mouth
Keep busy, call a friend or go to a place where you are not allowed to smoke.
In the first few days after you quit, avoid people who smoke or offer you cigarettes. Rearrange your room and turn it into a 'no-smoking zone'. Drink lots of water and fruit juices. Avoid caffeine or any product that contains this substance. Adopt a new and healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and an exercise programme.
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information and Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
