On November 4th, while visiting my niece in Jax a situation arose where I needed medical care. It was a Sunday night and we were leaving for a cruise the next morning. We went to the new Emergency Care Center on Race Track Road, near my niece's home. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door by Sally. My husband is an ER nurse and I am...
Did you know that death from smoking-related diseases is considered the number one preventable type of fatality across the globe? According to the American Lung Association, smoking is detrimental to virtually every aspect of the human body. Moreover, it accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in the United States and costs our nation many billions of dollars in healthcare costs and other related expenses. Simply put, smoking is bad for you any way you look at it. Yet, those who pursue this life-threatening habit can stop, as many millions of people have done before them.
The Detrimental Health Effects of Smoking
Smoking is extremely damaging to the respiratory system. Statistics show that approximately 90 percent of the individuals who died from lung cancer engaged in smoking activities that likely contributed to the development of their lung cancer. American deaths from emphysema and chronic bronchitis have comparable smoking causality rates. Smoking has also been shown to be a major factor in the development of stroke, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions.
Why Smoking Cessation Can Be Difficult
The fight to quit smoking is more than simply a battle of will. Individuals who smoke are physically addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes. As with any other drug addiction, it takes a concentrated effort to stop smoking for good. In addiction, it often requires the help of friends, family, and professional healthcare providers. Smoking cessation is not something you must do on your own.
How to Quit Smoking for Good
The first step toward smoking cessation is the decision to quit permanently. From there, individuals may employ several different means to stop smoking. Some benefit from using nicotine substitution methods, such as a nicotine patch or nicotine gum, to curb their cravings until they dissipate completely. Others find help with professional therapy. However, many individuals frequently undergo several smoking cessation attempts before they are able to finally stop their smoking habit for good. Accordingly, do not get discouraged if you cannot quit upon your first try.
If you are ready to begin on the path to a healthier, smoking-free future, partner with Memorial Hospital to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on November 15th. We can help guide you to the right resources and support. Call Consult-A-Nurse at (800) 530-3244 to learn more about your options.
Making the decision to stop smoking is one of the best actions you can take to improve your health. This video explains the many reasons why you should stop smoking and includes some suggestions on how to beat this habit for good.
Choosing to quit smoking is important for several reasons. One, it can significantly decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and many other health problems. Two, it lowers health risks to family and friends who are in the presence of your second-hand smoke. Three, it reduces the significant expense of buying cigarettes. Smoking cessation is a considerable undertaking, but one that you can successfully complete with time and dedication. Watch this complete clip to learn more.
Memorial Hospital can help those who are addicted to smoking. If you want to quit smoking, please call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line today at (800) 530-3244 for more information.
Bariatric surgery can help obese patients achieve rapid weight loss. As with any invasive procedure, bariatric surgery is a measure that should be carefully considered by each potential candidate and his or her team of healthcare providers. Though bariatric surgery can produce significant weight loss, it still necessitates that patients carefully monitor their caloric intake after surgery. Please read the following to determine if you may be an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery.
Struggled Unsuccessfully with Weight Loss
The best way to lose weight is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sound eating habits and consistent physical activity. However, these tactics can prove difficult for some obese individuals. In particular, exercise can be challenging or even dangerous for people with heart problems. When other weight loss measures are unsuccessful, bariatric surgery can provide the necessary means to eliminate excessive weight. If you have been trying to lose weight through healthy eating and regular exercise to no avail, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Diagnosed with Type-II Diabetes
Excessively overweight individuals diagnosed with type-II diabetes are at an elevated risk for a number of health issues, including hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. In circumstances such as these, losing weight with bariatric surgery as opposed to gradual weight loss may be preferable in order to quickly eliminate these health dangers. If you are obese and have been diagnosed with type-II diabetes, consult with your doctor about your bariatric surgery options.
Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle
Bariatric surgery does not provide a permanent solution to weight gain. While the procedure may preclude patients from being able to eat certain foods, it does not offer a foolproof method for maintaining a healthy weight. Accordingly, patients who undergo bariatric surgery must embrace good eating habits and an active lifestyle post-surgery.
Are you ready to regain your health and wellbeing through bariatric surgery? Then call Memorial Hospital today at (904) 399-6360 to speak with a bariatric surgery specialist about our weight loss procedures. You can also sign up for one of our free bariatric information seminars that are scheduled throughout the month of November.
Our Breast Nurse Navigator and the Medical Director of our Breast Center are guests on the Channel 4 Morning Show. They're joined by one of our brave breast cancer patients.
Disclaimer: The materials provided are intended for informational purposes only. You should contact your doctor for medical advice. Use of and access to this website or other materials do not create a physician-patient relationship. The opinions expressed through this website are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the hospital, medical staff, or any individual physician or other healthcare professional.