LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Each year, an estimated 443,000 people die prematurely from smoking or exposure to second hand smoke, and another 8.6 million have a serious illness caused by smoking.  Yet despite these risks, approximately 46 million U.S adults smoke cigarettes with Texas ranking 27^th among the states. 

In Laredo smoking and second hand smoke are the leading cause of lung cancer in both women and men and one of the top Five (5) causes of death in Laredo.  In addition it is a leading cause of asthma, ear infections and prematurity.    

Smoking Causes Death:

·         More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides and murders combined. 

·         Smoking causes 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women. 

Smoking and Increased Health Risks: Compared with nonsmokers, smoking is estimated to increase the risk of –

·         Coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times.

·         Stroke by 2 to 4 times.

·         Men developing lung cancer by 23 times.

·         Women developing lung cancer by 13 times.

·         Dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases by 12 to 13 times.

The following cancers are caused by smoking:

·         Acute myeloid leukemia, Bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidney, larynx, lung cancer, oral cavity, pharynx, stomach cancer, uterus and breast cancer.

The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wants to remind the public and business owners that the No Smoking in Public Places Ordinance No. 2006-0-073, effective July 13, 2006 is in effect and is being enforced. This was enacted to help protect the public from the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) such as cancer, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory problems, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children.

In an effort to help reduce the number of smokers in the community, the City of Laredo Health Department will be offering the American Cancer Society’s Fresh Start Smoking Cessation sessions. 

·         Session 1: Decide to QUIT.  Monday, March 14, 2 – 3 pm.

·         Session 2: Plan to QUIT. Wednesday, March 16, 2 – 3 pm.

·         Session 3: Attempt to QUIT. Monday, March 21, 2- 3 pm.

·         Session 4: Stay QUIT. Wednesday, March 23, 2 – 3 pm.

All four FREE sessions will take place in the Health Department Auditorium.