The causal relationship between smoking and cardiopulmonary disease and cancer is well established. Smoking related illnesses cost Americans almost $200 billion each year. Included in this dollar figure, are diseases common to other organ systems that find themselves surrendering to the affects of smoking. One lesser publicized disease associated with smoking is osteoporosis. Researchers found this link more than 20 years ago. It was discovered that smokers had decreased bone density when compared to non-smokers. It does take on a little of the "chicken and the egg" argument, however. It's difficult for physicians and scientists to accurately say whether smoking itself leads to the lower bone density or if it's a result of the other common risk factors found in smokers. For example, smokers are typically more sedentary. This certainly places them in a higher risk profile for developing bone loss. They also tend to consume more alcohol and have less healthy dietary habits which again, places them at higher risk. But, regardless of the argument, the fact remains - smokers have lower bone densities and are therefore, at risk for developing osteoporosis.
There is no cure for osteoporosis at this time, but much like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can be prevented with proper nutrition and a healthy and active lifestyle. Osteoporosis has been described as a silent disease in which the damage is done when the individual is still relatively young, but the results are not seen until they are much older. Simply put, the effects occur without fanfare until it's too late. Older men and women who smoke are often diagnosed with significant bone loss. This results in smokers having a higher incidence of fractures over non-smokers. And the longer a person smokes, the greater that risk is. In addition, smokers may take longer to heal from their fractures and potentially have greater complications associated with their fractures.
Women who smoke are at risk of developing menopause earlier which may lead to a more rapid loss of bone density. This occurs because female smokers produce less estrogen and hence, begin menopause at an earlier age. Other factors for developing osteoporosis include family history of osteoporosis, low calcium intake, lack of physical activity, thin or small body type, and excessive alcohol intake. In our ever changing world, it seems easy to see why osteoporosis is regarded as a real health concern among the population. Currently it is estimated that 44 million Americans are at risk for, or currently have already been diagnosed with, this disease - 68% of whom are women. Unfortunately, smoking has been on the rise in women over the last decade. So this does not bode well for them since they are already considered at higher greater risk for developing osteoporosis, then men.
The most important action any smoker can take is to just quit smoking. Not only will they reap the usual lung and heart health benefits typically spoken about in the press, but they will also uncover other health benefits as well. Stronger bone health can lead to greater activity and improved lifestyle during the "golden years". The hidden financial benefits are reaped when individuals don't have to pay for those frequent office visits to the doctor or trips to the surgeon because of a fractured hip or leg.
The benefits for quitting smoking seem to go on and on. The complexity of health concerns associated with smoking is indeed, difficult to grasp at times. Allied health care professionals each have their own stories about their smoking patients. Each patient had their life negatively impacted because of something they thought was going to make them look cool as a teenager. It's hard to look cool though, when you're wearing a hospital gown and you have 17 metal screws in your leg.
There is no cure for osteoporosis at this time, but much like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can be prevented with proper nutrition and a healthy and active lifestyle. Osteoporosis has been described as a silent disease in which the damage is done when the individual is still relatively young, but the results are not seen until they are much older. Simply put, the effects occur without fanfare until it's too late. Older men and women who smoke are often diagnosed with significant bone loss. This results in smokers having a higher incidence of fractures over non-smokers. And the longer a person smokes, the greater that risk is. In addition, smokers may take longer to heal from their fractures and potentially have greater complications associated with their fractures.
Women who smoke are at risk of developing menopause earlier which may lead to a more rapid loss of bone density. This occurs because female smokers produce less estrogen and hence, begin menopause at an earlier age. Other factors for developing osteoporosis include family history of osteoporosis, low calcium intake, lack of physical activity, thin or small body type, and excessive alcohol intake. In our ever changing world, it seems easy to see why osteoporosis is regarded as a real health concern among the population. Currently it is estimated that 44 million Americans are at risk for, or currently have already been diagnosed with, this disease - 68% of whom are women. Unfortunately, smoking has been on the rise in women over the last decade. So this does not bode well for them since they are already considered at higher greater risk for developing osteoporosis, then men.
The most important action any smoker can take is to just quit smoking. Not only will they reap the usual lung and heart health benefits typically spoken about in the press, but they will also uncover other health benefits as well. Stronger bone health can lead to greater activity and improved lifestyle during the "golden years". The hidden financial benefits are reaped when individuals don't have to pay for those frequent office visits to the doctor or trips to the surgeon because of a fractured hip or leg.
The benefits for quitting smoking seem to go on and on. The complexity of health concerns associated with smoking is indeed, difficult to grasp at times. Allied health care professionals each have their own stories about their smoking patients. Each patient had their life negatively impacted because of something they thought was going to make them look cool as a teenager. It's hard to look cool though, when you're wearing a hospital gown and you have 17 metal screws in your leg.
0 comments:
Post a Comment