Second-Hand Smoke Update

A recent study reported in The British Medical Journal (Feb. 13, 2009) has linked second-hand smoke exposure to dementia and other forms of mental decline. That's what we do to our family members, friends and other relatives when we smoke in their presence. Saliva samples from more than 5,000 non-smoking adults older than 50 years of age were analyzed for levels of a chemical called cotinine, a nicotine byproduct.

The participants in the study were then put through a range of tests to check their brain function. The tests included word recognition immediately and after a delay, numerical calculations, time orientation and verbal fluency.

The participants in the study who were exposed to the greatest levels of second-hand smoke had a 44% INCREASED risk of cognitive impairment compared to those not exposed. So, it would appear that not only do we hurt ourselves when we smoke, we hurt those around us.

I used to try to "talk" myself out of quitting. I reasoned that certain older people were still alive and didn't have cancer, etc., so I gambled that I too would be safe from the effects of smoking. When I realized I could be the potential cause of a loved one developing cancer or some other smoking related illness, the motivation to quit became even stronger. Even our pets are not safe from this nasty habit.