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February 22, 2010
Culturally-tailored intervention helps Latino parents of asthmatic children to stop smoking
A recent study suggests that a culturally-tailored intervention program can help Latino parents who have asthmatic children quit smoking. The study, which was carried out through the Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and Brown University, measured the amount of secondhand smoke children were exposed to through the placement of two nicotine monitors in the homes of study participants. Researchers translated nicotine exposure into “cigarette equivalents.” In addition, in-home counseling – tailored to Latino culture and values – was delivered by a Latina health educator. Twenty-eight percent of intervention participants had quit smoking three months after the intervention, compared to 18 percent of those in a control group.
Learn more about this tobacco cessation intervention study.
February 12, 2010
Beyond secondhand smoke: study proves “thirdhand smoke” dangerous
A recent study out of California indicates that tobacco smoke, which seeps into things like clothes, furniture and carpet, interacts with particles in the air to create cancer-causing compounds that can remain present for months. The study reports that it is possible for these contaminants to seep through skin by contact or inhaled through dust in the air. Small children and babies, who typically have the greatest direct contact with floors and other surfaces, are at greatest risk for contact with the contaminants. The study didn’t look at the potential health effects of the contaminants, but offered a warning that simply smoking in the absence of other people may not completely address the dangerous health effects of tobacco smoke.
Read more about thirdhand smoke.
February 11, 2010
Secondhand smoke gives smokers a one-two punch
A new study out of Italy found that smokers who smoke 14 cigarettes a day, smoke an additional 2.6 cigarettes by re-inhaling their exhaled smoke, also referred to as “secondhand smoke.” The study looked at the amount of cancer-triggering toxins smokers are exposed to and quantified the impact of smokers’ own secondhand smoke. The study appeared in the online journal Environmental Health on January 29th.
Read "Smoker's Own Secondhand Smoke Adds to Health Risks" at businessweek.com.
January 22, 2010
Referrals to quitlines increase with financial incentives
Doctors who are paid to refer patients to tobacco quitline services have a higher rate of patient referral than doctors who are not paid. A study out of the University of Minnesota reports that clinics that were paid $5,000 for 50 referral calls referred 11 percent of smokers, compared to a 4 percent referral rate for clinics that were not offered the incentive. The researchers state that financial incentives could hold promise for increasing the use of quitline services.
Read the University of Minnesota report on tobacco quitline referrals.
January 15, 2010
Rise of part-time smoker requires new quit strategies
With smoking banned in most worksites, public places and many homes, “hard core, chain” smokers have a tougher time these days. As a result of restrictions on smoking, intermittent smoking and “secret” smoking has increased. Given that studies have shown that a few cigarettes a day can drastically increase the risk for adverse health outcomes, such as heart attacks and strokes, new cessation approaches are required to reach these “part-time” smokers. While nicotine addiction plays a role, so do psychological and emotional triggers – all of which must be incorporated in quit approaches for these “part-time” smokers.
January 11, 2010
Study shows older smokers are more successful at kicking the habit
A new study conducted at the University of Florida reports that older smokers have an easier time quitting compared to their younger counterparts. According to the study, many older smokers have a longer history of smoking, tend to smoke more, and are often more addicted than younger smokers. The study indicates that these factors may fuel older smokers' motivation to quit. Younger smokers, the study reports, often cite financial implications as their primary motivator. The study speaks to the potential for tobacco cessation programs to address the varying motivations of smokers in quit attempts.
December 22. 2009
Reducing the Number of Cigarettes Smoked Shows Cardiac Benefits
A new study reports that smokers who reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by five per day had an 18 percent decrease in mortality after an acute MI; those who quit completely had a 37 percent decrease in mortality. The new study quantifies the benefits of reducing the number of cigarettes smoked – or quitting altogether – after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), which is the destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of blood supply to the heart. The study is believed to be one of the first to measure the health impact of reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked.
December 4, 2009
American Cancer Society survey reports strategies for smoking cessation success
A recent survey by the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that 22 percent of smokers make the decision to quit 24 hours in advance; another 30 percent began planning a week or two in advance. The survey’s findings are important given that many medical experts believe advance planning, including obtaining prescriptions for nicotine replacement therapy, can help smokers succeed in quitting. The survey also found most respondents (70 percent) were interested in accessing customized websites to help them quit and many (59 percent) were interested receiving tailored e-mails about quitting. They survey highlights the need for focused campaigns to educate smokers on how to maximize their chances of success. Read the ACS survey report
November 30, 2009
2008 CDC study shows proportion of adult smokers holds steady; cessation for adults with low educational level remains low
The 2008 National Health Interview Survey, an initiative of the Centers for Disease Control, shows that while the percentage of adults who are current smokers declined by 3.5% from 1998 to 2008, the proportion did not change from 2007 (19.8%) to 2008 (20.6%). Adults with low educational attainment, who have the highest rates of smoking, have the lowest quit ratios among all education subgroups, ranging from 39.9% to 48.8%. The survey report recommends intensifying efforts to reach individuals with lower education and considering education level when communicating cessation programs. Read more.
November 16, 2009
Health benefit cost growth lowest in 10 years
Health benefit cost increases in 2009 were the lowest in a decade – 5.5 percent on average, due in part to large employers utilizing health wellness programs and small employers raising deductibles. A survey conducted by the Mercer group showed that among large employers with health management programs in place, medical plan cost increases averaged about two percentage points lower in 2009. In addition, the survey found that very large employers were more willing to offer rewards, such as reduced premium amounts, to employees who take responsibility for their own health. Read more.
November 16, 2009
American Lung Association releases smoking cessation report
The American Lung Association’s report, “Helping Smokers Quit: State Cessation Coverage,” (PDF, 3.04 Mb) released this week, provides an overview of cessation benefit coverage offered in each state by both public and private health insurance plans. In addition, the report outlines a standard of coverage, barriers to coverage, and an action plan for access to and coverage of cessation treatments. The report urges policymakers to improve access to cessation benefits as part of the current health care reform process.
November 6, 2009
Expert panel confirms smoking bans save lives
A recent study conducted by a CDC-commissioned panel confirms that even limited exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the odds of heart attacks in people who have heart disease. Laboratory studies show that even minimal exposure to secondhand smoke can increase blood clotting and constrict blood vessels, which are two major risk factors for heart attacks. The report states that smoking bans, which eliminate smoking in public places are a valuable way to protect individuals from the health effects of secondhand smoke. Read more about the CDC's secondhand smoke study.
Research being conducted on smoking-cessation vaccine
A Maryland company has received a $10 million federal grant to fund the final phases of research regarding a possible anti-nicotine vaccine, NicVAX. The vaccine works by making the immune system create antibodies that will adhere to nicotine molecules and prevent them from entering the brain, where they produce the high smokers crave. Researchers are hopeful that the study will show the vaccine helpful in preventing relapse in smokers who quit. Read more about anti-nicotine vaccine research.
More smokers quit with combination of patches and lozenges
Smokers who want to quit are more likely to succeed when they use a combination of nicotine-replacement patches and lozenges, a study shows. Participants who used both products had better outcomes than those who used either product alone. They also had better quit success than those who used Zyban or a combination of Zyban and nicotine lozenges. Read more about combined tobacco cessation therapies.
October 12, 2009
Service and construction industries have highest smoking rates
A new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that U.S. smoking rates are highest among workers in the service and construction industries. According to the study, full-time workers in the food preparation and service-related occupations smoke at a rate of 44.7%, and construction workers follow at a rate of 42.9%. The study also found that workers who are between the ages of 18 and 25 smoke at higher rates than all other age ranges. Read more about smoking rates by occupation.
New study counters health warnings about Chantix®
The smoking cessation drug varenicline (Chantix®) may not increase the risk of depression and suicide, according to findings from a newly released British study. The British researchers analyzed results from over 80,000 adults who were prescribed a smoking cessation medication from 2006 – 2008 and found no evidence linking varenicline or bupropion (Zyban®) with higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This study contrasts with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) findings which resulted in a mandated “black box warning” on varenicline and bupropion. Read more about cessation medications and health warnings.
September 28, 2009
Heart attack rates drop after smoking bans put in place
Smoking bans in public places have led to decreases in heart attack rates, according to results from two new large-scale studies. North American and European cities with public smoking bans have averaged a 17% drop in heart attacks when compared with communities without a ban in place. Women, nonsmokers, and people under the age of 60 benefit most from smoking bans, and a nationwide ban in the U.S. could prevent 100,000 to 225,000 heart attacks every year. Read more about smoking bans and heart attack rates.
Canada funds cessation programs for industries with high smoking rates
The Government of Canada has created a new tobacco cessation program for workers in industries with high smoking rates, including construction, retail, and transportation. Funding for Smart Steps…towards a smoke-free life project will support workplace-based tobacco cessation programming, including workshops and support to develop personalized quit plans. Read more about workplace cessation programs.
September 21, 2009
Smoking harms financial health too
Just about everyone nowadays is aware of the health harms related to smoking, but fewer may be aware of smoking’s financial toll. A pack-a-day smoking habit can cost a smoker $2,000 or more annually, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the hidden costs for smoking, including health care and lost productivity, add up to $7.18 per pack of cigarettes. In these trying economic times, quitting smoking not only improves health – it also makes strong financial sense. Read more about the financial costs of smoking.
Flavored cigarettes - soon to be a thing of the past
Retailers will soon have to pull flavored cigarettes from their shelves, in response to new legislation granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law this past summer, prohibits the sale of flavored cigarettes, including clove cigarettes. Flavored cigarettes are popular among youth, and health experts hope that banning such products will reduce youth smoking rates thereby preventing long-term addiction and smoking-related illness. Read more about the FDA ban on flavored cigarettes.
September 14, 2009
Breast cancer risk goes up for smoking and being overweight
New research sheds light on the link between breast cancer and lifestyle factors, namely smoking and being overweight. A study published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology showed that women who smoke a pack a day for 9 years have a 59% higher risk of developing breast cancer. Women who gain weight after the age of 20 also increase their breast cancer risk when compared with women who maintain a stable weight over time. Read more about breast cancer and smoking.
Third-hand smoke: Potential harm for you and your family
The harm from cigarettes can last long after the last cigarette has been put out. According to research in the journal Pediatrics, cigarette smoke leaves toxic particles on nearby surfaces, such as clothing, furniture, and carpet. Experts fear that the particles are carcinogenic and can harm brain development in children. The risk is greatest for small children and babies because they are more likely to lick or suck on objects that have been exposed to cigarette smoke. Read more about third-hand smoke.
September 8, 2009
Keys to successfully quitting smoking
The three most important components to quitting smoking are counseling, medications, and support from health care providers, according to Dr. Michael Fiore, a professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and founder of the school’s Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention. Dr. Fiore notes that providing smokers with support and tools to quit can make a lasting difference and dramatically improve the odds of success. Read more about smoking cessation best practices.
Why it pays to quit smoking before surgery
People who quit smoking at least four weeks before undergoing surgery cut the risk of surgery-related complications in half, according to research findings from the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Poor wound healing after surgery is a common complication for smokers, and quitting smoking, even weeks before undergoing a surgical procedure, is a successful prevention strategy. Read more about smoking cessation and surgery.
August 31, 2009
Smokeless tobacco products are not safer than smoking
Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking. According a recent study, a pinch of smokeless tobacco exposes users to the same amount of a group of dangerous chemicals, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as smoking five cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco also contains two dozen types of carcinogens known to cause oral and pancreatic cancers. Some consumers of smokeless tobacco products mistakenly believe they are less dangerous than other forms of tobacco. Read more about health hazards of smokeless tobacco.
Online health information can help smokers quit
More and more people are turning to the web to find out health information and support, including smoking cessation. A recent analysis of 22 clinical trials reported that internet and computer-based quit smoking programs nearly doubled quit rates when compared with quitting without any help. Internet-based health programs are also helpful with a variety of other health issues and motivating people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Read more about internet-based health programs.
August 24, 2009
Paying smokers to quit shows promise
Cash incentives may be the key to helping smokers quit, according to a smoking cessation program in Scotland. The quit4U program, which offers support and advice, has begun to provide smokers £12.50 a week, about $20 USD, if they can demonstrate that they have remained smoke free. Program officials have seen in increase in participation and quit rates since offering the cash incentives. Read more about cash incentives and smoking cessation.
Four lifestyle measures key to reducing chronic disease
Four key lifestyle measures – not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet – can reduce the risk of developing chronic disease by 78% according to a recent research study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results show that heart disease, stroke, and diabetes can largely be prevented by adopting healthy behaviors. Read more about health benefits of quitting smoking.
August 19, 2009
Triple treatment for smokers works
Combining several smoking cessation medications may increase quit rates when compared with a single therapy. According to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, smokers who used triple combination therapy – the nicotine patch in combination with the nicotine inhaler and Bupropion – were more likely to quit smoking and less likely to relapse when compared with those who used the nicotine patch exclusively. Read more about triple cessation treatment.
New York cracks down on smoking at construction sites
The New York Buildings Department is cracking down on smoking at construction sites and has collected over $1.8 million in smoking-related fines over the past year. The ban was put in place to protect the health of workers after a 2007 cigarette-induced fire caused the death of two firefighters at a construction site at Ground Zero. Find out more about smoking bans at construction sites.
August 10, 2009
Kicking the habit during pregnancy better for babies
New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that quitting early during pregnancy can reduce health risks. Researchers found that women who quit smoking during the first trimester cut their risk of having a preterm baby by 31% and low birth weight baby by 55%. Although it is best to quit smoking before becoming pregnant, quitting early during pregnancy can still make dramatic health improvements for both the mother and baby. Read more about pregnancy and smoking.
Paying pregnant women to quit smoking
Despite the dangers of smoking during pregnancy, many pregnant women continue to smoke. A new Department of Health initiative in England will provide cash rewards to pregnant women who successfully quit smoking. Program participants can receive up to £ 200 (about $330) over the course of the program by remaining abstinent from smoking and attending monthly sessions with a stop smoking advisor. Read more about incentives for pregnant smokers.
August 3 , 2009
Women may have harder time quitting smoking than men
While quitting smoking is never easy, some studies show that women may have a harder time kicking the habit than men. Although men and women have similar long-term quit rates, a recent University of Pittsburgh study found that women had a 25% lower success rate on any given quit attempt when compared with men. This means that women may have to try harder and more often to quit smoking. Some possible reasons for this difference may be related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Read more about women and smoking cessation.
Oregon insurers may be required to cover smoking cessation
Oregon is likely to require that health insurers cover a smoking cessation benefit. Senate Bill 734 has passed in the Oregon Legislature and will require insurers to cover $500 for a tobacco cessation program. This benefit can be used to cover the cost of a three-month supply of medications or a three-month quit smoking course. If signed into law, the mandate will take effect on January 1, 2010. Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Rhode Island have passed similar legislation. Read more about cessation insurance mandates.
July 27, 2009
Cigarette tax increases may help smokers kick the habit
Recent tobacco tax increases may be the push to help many people give up smoking. The rising cost of cigarettes, due to the recent federal tax increase, means that a pack of cigarettes in Minnesota now costs over $5 and a carton of cigarettes averages close to $50. Health experts hope that many current smokers decide that now is the time to give up smoking for both financial and health reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that taxes are an effective strategy to decrease tobacco use. Read more about tax increases and quitting smoking.
Pre-cessation treatment with patch can help smokers quit
Using the nicotine patch before quitting smoking can help smokers quit, according to a new research study from Duke University Medical Center. The current labeling requirements for the patch recommend using it only after the quit date, due to concerns about possible nicotine overdose. However, current research indicates that using the patch while smoking appears to be safe. A recent study found that those who began to use the patch while smoking reduced the number of cigarettes smoked and experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms. Read more about the nicotine patch and quitting smoking.
July 20, 2009
Cessation drugs Chantix® and Zyban® get FDA warning labels
Two smoking cessation medications, Chantix® and Zyban®, and will now carry warning labels, regarding risks of psychiatric problems including depression and suicidal thoughts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will mandate the black box labels based on reports to the agency and research studies showing a risk of mental health symptoms from use of these products. FDA officials state that they do not want to discourage smokers from using these medications to stop smoking but want to emphasize the need for careful monitoring. Read more about warning labels for Chantix® and Zyban®.
Using the internet to help young adults quit smoking
Young adults have the highest rates of smoking among all age groups. Many young smokers want to quit but don’t know what methods work best. The University of Illinois at Chicago is leading a project to increase demand for internet-based cessation treatment for adults between the ages of 18-24. The project will develop internet-based ads to encourage young smokers to use the evidence-based stop smoking program www.BecomeAnEx.org. Researchers will track participants to find out if they were successful in quitting smoking. Read more about young adults and internet-based cessation programs.
July 13, 2009
Nicotine dependence remains high despite drops in smoking rates
Despite the declines in smoking in the U.S. in recent decades, the number of nicotine-addicted adults has remained steady. Columbia University researchers also found that the proportion of smokers who are addicted is greater than in previous generations and young women living in poverty have the highest rates of nicotine dependence. This suggests a need to prevent the initiation of smoking and provide support to current smokers in their quit attempts. Read more about nicotine dependence.
Stressed, broke smokers struggle more than ever to quit
The economic downturn combined with a recent federal tobacco tax increase has put a financial strain on smokers, increasing their incentive to quit. However, many states have cut funding for cessation programs, leaving smokers with fewer resources to do so. The stress of the economy may even cause some smokers to smoke more. Read more about stress and quitting smoking.
July 6, 2009
Businesses re-evaluate wellness programs
As businesses face tough economic times, some are rethinking workplace wellness programs, including tobacco cessation coverage. One of the key challenges with wellness initiatives is that it can take years to evaluate the impacts of programs. However, many companies, including IBM and PepsiCo, continue to support wellness initiatives and see them as key to maintaining a healthy, productive workforce. Read more about workplace wellness programs.
Rhode Island considers bill requiring insurers to cover cessation drugs
Triggered by increases in federal and state tobacco excise taxes, more and more Rhode Island residents are looking for help to quit smoking. The Rhode Island General Assembly is considering legislation that would require all private insurers to cover all cessation medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration and increase the amount of counseling insurers must cover. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and United Healthcare support the legislation and say it is cost-effective in the long run. Read more about cessation coverage mandates.
June 29, 2009
FDA investigates safety of chantix
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the safety of Chantix, a smoking cessation medication approved in May 2006. The FDA issues quarterly reports about medications under investigation for possible safety issues, and Chantix is one of 20 medications under investigation. Read an article about the FDA study on Chantix.
Binge drinking increases lung cancer risk in smokers
Smokers who binge drink are more likely to develop lung cancer, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Kuopio in Finland. Binge drinking was not associated with increased risk of lung cancer among non-smokers. Read a news release about the study of binge drinking and lung cancer risk among smokers.