SMOKING: CULPRIT OF ALL EVIL

Of all major factors that lead to the development of non-communicable diseases (Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Bronchial Asthma, etc.), smoking is the most common and poses significant danger to the health of most people. The danger are not only for those who are active smokers, but also those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. (Cuevas, 2007, Public Health Nursing in the Philippines)

As relation to reproductive health, this article tackles about SMOKING AS A RISK FACTOR OF CANCER.

There are different types of cancer, it is not a single disease. Cancer develops when cell in part of the body begin to grow out of control. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in orderly fashion. Cancer cells, however, continue to outgrow and divide even when there is no need to do so. Instead of dying they outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells. Cancer cells often travel to other parts of the body where they begin to grow and replace normal tissue also know as metastasis.

Most of different types of cancer is associated with lifestyle specifically SMOKING. Types of cancer that smoking or tobacco use is a significant risk factor are LUNG CANCER, ORAL CANCER , LARYNGEAL CANCER, BLADDER CANCER, RENAL CANCER, ESOPHAGEAL CANCER and even CERVICAL CANCER.

This disease may alter the sexual pattern of some couples that may lead to unsatisfying sex. Unsatisfying sex with their partner may result to infidelity, the partner may look for other people that can satisfy their needs. Therefore as responsible citizens we should promote healthy lifestyle to prevent this from occurring. Health is not only the responsibility of the health care team, but it is the responsibility of every person --- every Filipino.

In health promotion and disease prevention each individual should first be knowledgeable or informed about such cases. Here are facts about Cigarette smoke/tobacco:
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

• TAR- the particulate matter left when water and nicotine are removed from cigarette smoke, contains hydrocarbons and other carcinogenic substances. Tar is deposited in lung passages, paralyzes the cleaning mechanisms (cilia) and damages the air sacs (alveoli).
• NICOTINE- also a particulate, causes release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, resulting in arrhythmias , increased heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, contractility, oxygen consumption, and coronary blood flow. It is also an addicting substance
• CARBON MONOXIDE- reduces oxygen carrying capacity of the blood causing hypoxia, because it competes with oxygen and has greater affinity for hemoglobin.

Tobacco contains more than 4000 chemicals, 43 of which have been proven to be carcinogenic (agent capable of causing cancer). Some of these toxic chemicals and gases include the following:

ACETONE - used in nail polish
ACETIC ACID - used in vinegar
AMMONIA - used in food and toilet cleaners
ARSENIC - used to make rat poison
BUTANE - used in cigarette lighter fluid
CADMIUM - used in rechargeable batteries
CARBON MONOXIDE - found in exhaust fumes
FORMALDEHYDE - used to preserve dead bodies
HEXAMINE - used in lighter fluid
HYDROGEN CYANIDE - used in gas chambers
METHANE - used like gasoline
NAPHTHALENE - used to make moth balls
NICOTINE - used in insecticide
NITROBENZENE - used as gasoline additive
NITROUS OXIDE - used as disinfectant
DDT/DIELDRIN -used in insecticide
ETHANOL - alcohol
STEARIC ACID - used in candle wax
TOULENE -used as industrial solvent
VINYL CHLORIDE - used to make PVC pipe

(PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING IN THE PHILIPPINES, CUEVAS, ET. AL.,2007)

SMOKING IS CULPRIT OF ALL EVIL, WHAT EVER REASON YOU HAVE, EVEN YOU DENY OR HIDE IT, STILL, IT WILL FIND YOU, WORST IS, IT WILL KILL YOU!