| Islanders urged to kick smoking habit for their health |
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| Thursday, 13 October 2011 09:26 | |||
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October is Healthy Lung month, and InterHealth Canada seeks to increase awareness of issues pertaining to the maintenance of healthy lungs for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Throughout October, the hospitals on Providenciales and Grand Turk will be helping raise awareness of how to maintain healthy lungs. And top of the don’t list is smoking, a habit that medical professionals say is having a devastating impact on lung health. “If you smoke, try to quit,” said Dr. Robyn Barnes, who is based at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Provo. “If you know someone who does, encourage them to quit. We all know cigarette smoking has a devastating impact on lung health, and so I would urge people to pack it in. “Smokers and the people around them are much more likely to develop lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps someone can take to improve their own lung health and that of their loved ones. “Also, try to avoid secondhand tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also called involuntary smoking or passive smoking. People are exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, cars, the workplace and public places such as bars, restaurants, and other recreation settings.” “If you want to quit, there are many resources available that will help you to be successful. Look online, talk to your doctor or have a chat with your pharmacist today,” she said. As part of its support for Healthy Lung month, InterHealth Canada has put together some tips for islanders to follow. These include getting plenty of exercise, taking all prescribed medicine, listening to and following your doctor’s advice and instructions if you have asthma or any other lung condition, quitting smoking, and getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. “These are all helpful tips that will contribute towards healthy lungs,” Barnes said. “But if you are worried about your lungs, or you have any other medical issue, then talk to your doctor. “Simply make an appointment in the outpatients’ departments at either Cheshire Hall or Cockburn Town Medical Centres, and your InterHealth Canada doctor will be pleased to help.”
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