During the Great American Smokeout, held on the third Thursday of each November, the American Cancer Society asks smokers to quit even if just for one day. After 20 minutes of not smoking, heart rate and blood pressure decrease; after 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop. The longer a person stays smoke-free the more health benefits are gained.
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| image from cancer.org |
Smoking increases risk for:
- oral cancer (cancer of the mouth)
- esophageal cancer (cancer of the throat)
- periodontal disease (gum disease that leads to bone loss)
- cavities
- tooth loss
- black hairy tongue (Google an image of it)
- dry mouth
- bad breath
Diseases caused by smoking and second hand smoke are preventable. Quitting, if only for one day, is the first step to better health.
For more information about The Great American Smokeout and how to quit smoking, visit:
http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout/
For more information about The Great American Smokeout and how to quit smoking, visit:
http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout/
cdc.gov, ada.org, cancer.org. This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. If you need medical or dental treatment, seek help from your doctor or dentist. If you smoke, QUIT!
If you smoke, quit. You can do it!
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