It’s
no shock that smoking cigarettes is an unhealthy habit. But here’s how
bad it really is: Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of
death, disease and disability in America. Smoking and secondhand smoke
kill about 443,000 people a year, according to the CDC. “If you’re a
smoker, you’re increasing your chances of lung cancer, emphysema and
other smoking-related diseases, all the while hampering the respiratory
tract system of those around you,” says Dr. Asta. “Children of smokers
are more likely to have respiratory infections, wheezing and ear
infections,” she warns. “And exposure to secondhand tobacco is also
linked with cancer.” While quitting isn’t easy, your health is worth it.
Ask your doctor for help in making a quitting plan, which may include
nicotine replacement gum or the patch, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Smokefree.gov,
a resource from the National Cancer Institute and other federal
agencies, offers text messaging services and other support to help you
butt out for good.
Make Your Mouth Something to Smile About
“It’s often said that the mouth is a window into a person’s overall
health,” says Laura Jana, MD, a pediatrician in Omaha, Nebraska, and
author of Heading Home With Your Newborn. “Oral health is
commonly a reflection of one's overall health. And poor oral health can
lead to cavities, infection, missed school days, missed work days and
poor self-esteem.” Plus, gum disease has been linked with heart disease.
The American Dental Association recommends flossing between teeth once a
day and brushing your teeth (and gums and tongue!) for two minutes at
least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
(Replace the brush every three or four months.) The organization also
recommends that little ones start their regular visits to the dentist no
later than their first birthday. “When brushing, it helps to let kids
who want to be independent brush their own teeth, but it’s also
important to realize that kids aren't really capable of doing a good job
until usually around the age of 8,” says Dr. Jana. “Parents should stay
involved and brush after their kids finish.”
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