According to a study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsonn Cancer Center about 16% of the nurses in the United States smoke. The same study shows that smoking has negative impacts on nurses' interactions with patients, such as making addicted nurses spend less time with patients and more time taking frequent breaks. It's a nasty, unhealthy that has thousands of people in its grips, and every year thousands of people die from diseases directly related to smoking. Let's get down to some serious facts:
More than 430,000 deaths occur every year from smoking-related illnesses and disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2003 approximately 171,900 new cases of lung cancer were reported, with 157,200 dying from lung cancer. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, and women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. And if you think having your cigarette isn't hurting anyone else, think again. Secondhand smoke has been reported to cause as many as 300,000 cases of pneumonia and bronchitis in children up to 18 months of age every year. It also increases the chance of babies dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Lung cancer isn't the only threat. There are several other cancers related to smoking, including cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, kidney, cervix, and pancreas. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and in cases of lung cancer; cigarette smoking is the leading cause. Of course, you already knew that if you're a nurse
So these are the facts. Now the question is – how do you stop?
Understanding Smoking Addiction
Are smokers addicted to cigarettes? Not necessarily. What they are addicted to is the nicotine in the cigarettes, both physically and psychologically. The nicotine goes to work instantly with smokers, creating a sense of well-being and relaxation. This is a sure sign of addiction, as going without a cigarette for a while may cause typical withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, headache, anger, anxiety and extreme cravings.
Are You Addicted?
A lot of smokers refuse to admit they are addicted. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear nurses who smoke say "I only smoke on my break, but I don't smoke all the time." Frequency isn't the only clue, because if you do have to have a cigarette each day, even if it's just one, you may very well be an addict. Here are some other symptoms:
- Smoking first thing in the morning
- Inhaling cigarette smoke deeply
- Smoking more than seven cigarettes per day
- Smoking strong cigarettes with nicotine levels higher than 0.9mg
- Smoking even if you are unwell or sick in bed
FACT: Did you know a smoker who puffs a pack a day, at $5.00 per pack, spends $1800 per year on cigarettes! If you quit smoking, look at the money you're saving!
Tips To Help You Quit Smoking
Before you quit, take some time to take a hard look at the impact cigarettes are having on your life. Look at your health, the potential dangers you are putting yourself at risk for by smoking, and the family and friends you may leave behind because of an early death from smoking-related cancer. Now, are you ready?
Is Cutting Back Enough?
Studies show that "cutting back" is rarely effective in helping smokers eventually quit. However, cutting back is never a bad thing if you do plan to eventually quit for good.
If you know you always have a cigarette after work, try stretching out the time between the time you get off work and the time you have that first cigarette. The longer you can go without a cigarette, the better.
If you always have a cigarette on your break, try taking your break in an area of the hospital or clinic where smoking is prohibited. You'd never put your job at risk for a smoke, so removing yourself from the temptation area may be just the key.
Quitting For Good
- The first steps are simple – get rid of the cigarettes and ashtrays.
- Avoid places where others are smoking, and physical locations and associations your brain connects with smoking (ex. the bar, beer, etc.)
- Try chewing gum or sipping seltzer water when you need that oral satisfaction of a cigarette.
- Eat breakfast and brush your teeth immediately. You may be less tempted when you've got real food in your stomach and a fresh mouth.
- Find a friend to stay accountable. You might know someone who smokes. Suggest that the two of you keep each other honest and support each other in your efforts to quit.
- Visit your doctor and ask what he might have to help you quit. You may be a candidate for a stop-smoking patch or other medications that are on the market, such as nicotine gum, which is a nicotine replacement therapy process that slowly weans you off of your nicotine addiction.
Alternative Treatments for Smoking Addiction
Some ex-smokers swear that they have quit through different alternative health remedies and practices.
- Hypnosis has been used for years to help people break the psychological need for a cigarette.
- Acupuncture – According to a study in the University of Oslo, Norway, published in the journal of Preventative Medicine in 2002, participants who had smoked for an average of 23 years were given acupuncture. Over a 5-year period it was reported that those participants smoked less than those in a control group.
- Guided Imagery – Smokers are relaxed and, with a guide's help, the smoker replaces the positive image and physical response to the image of a cigarette with other images, such as the image of the disgusting toxins they are inhaling. This helps the smoker break the psychological addiction cycle.
Quit Cold Turkey
A number of the nurses we spoke to mentioned the tactics we've suggested thus far. However, many people swear that the only successful method was quitting cold turkey. Will power has been enough for some to quit (although it was the 13th quit attempt, still, a highly commendable achievement).
Don't Be Afraid to Seek Out Help
There are numerous associations and organizations that are dedicated to helping individuals quit smoking and regain control of their lives.
We don't need to harp on the health concerns of smoking since as a medical professional you're in contact with the affects routinely. Hopefully these article was the added boost you needed to take heed and quit smoking. You can do this!
Article © 2009 MyNursingUniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated
Image courtesy of _driftwood.
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