Traditional cigarette smoking is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes with preoperative abstinence reducing this risk. Smoking cessation is one component of the Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERAS) multi-modality approach to preoperative optimization. The current guidelines recommend cessation (quitting smoking) four weeks prior to a scheduled operation. Smoking as a Major Risk Factor […]
One of the most common new year’s resolutions is to quit the use of tobacco, but experts estimate less than 10 percent will be successful. Why? “There are a lot of reasons people struggle with quitting,” explains Dr. Samuel Wesonga, WakeMed Physician Practices Primary Care. “First of all, it’s really, really hard. But even more […]
From the 1930s to the 1950s, the mentality around smoking and tobacco use was different with advertising campaigns designed to build up the cigarette as a cultural icon of sophistication. Years later (and after countless scientific research and studies), we know better. Today, we know that there are zero good reasons to smoke. Despite the […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), also known as e-cigs, e-cigarettes, or vape pens, produce an aerosolized mixture (“vapor”) of nicotine and flavored liquid that is inhaled by its user. They are wildly popular. Their use has increased significantly over the last five years and they are now […]
Founded in 1987 by the World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is an annual awareness day held each year on May 31st. WNTD aims to: Raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use Encourage governments around the world to adopt effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption In the United States […]
Did you know there is a significant link between smoking and bladder cancer? Last night, WRAL-TV aired a story featuring Wake Specialty Physicians Urologist Sam Chawla discussing this link.
