 |
|
Should all hospitals be smoke free?
April 30, 2003The recent decision by the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to build seven smoking rooms for patients and staff at a cost of £500,000 provoked condemnation from many sources. In this week's BMJ researchers argue that these resources might have been better used to implement a smoking ban and expand smoking cessation activities.
The value of hospitals making a clear statement on public smoking can be seen from a recent study showing that total workplace bans would have an effect equivalent to an almost doubling of the price of cigarettes in the United Kingdom. Other considerations include protection of other patients and staff from exposure to second hand smoke, and a reduction in the risk of fires and in cleaning costs.
Some will argue that bans on smoking in hospitals will not work because of opposition by staff or patients, yet studies confirm that smoking bans can work in NHS hospitals if designed and implemented appropriately.
But should hospitals go further and actively help patients to quit smoking either before coming into hospital or during and after their stay?
The potential benefits are considerable, say the authors. One trial found that 90% of patients who received counselling and nicotine replacement six to eight weeks before surgery either ceased or reduced smoking, were less likely to experience postoperative complications, and to need secondary surgery.
Another review found that behavioural interventions with patients admitted to hospital were associated with higher quit rates for at least a month afterwards.
Given this evidence, it is arguable that resources expended on smoking rooms might be better used to fund a concerted effort to implement a smoking ban and to expand smoking cessation activities, say the authors. Hopefully other hospitals facing a similar situation will act differently in the future.
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
But should hospitals go further and actively help patients to quit smoking either before coming into hospital or during and after their stay?
The potential benefits are considerable, say the authors. One trial found that 90% of patients who received counselling and nicotine replacement six to eight weeks before surgery either ceased or reduced smoking, were less likely to experience postoperative complications, and to need secondary surgery.
Another review found that behavioural interventions with patients admitted to hospital were associated with higher quit rates for at least a month afterwards.
Given this evidence, it is arguable that resources expended on smoking rooms might be better used to fund a concerted effort to implement a smoking ban and to expand smoking cessation activities, say the authors. Hopefully other hospitals facing a similar situation will act differently in the future.
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Smoking Current Events and Smoking News RSSCarnegie Mellon researchers link health-care debate to risk of dying in US and Europe
The current health care debate in the United States is complicated. Trade-offs between heath care expenditures, lifestyle choices and life expectancy have been suggested but seldom clearly demonstrated.
Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion
The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in a report that appears online today in the journal Nature Genetics.
Study suggests dentists can identify patients at risk for fatal cardiovascular event
A new study indicates dentists can play a potentially life-saving role in health care by identifying patients at risk of fatal heart attacks and referring them to physicians for further evaluation.
Air pollution increases infants' risk of bronchiolitis
Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at increased risk for bronchiolitis, according to a new study.
PMH finding may help some tonsil cancer patients avoid chemotherapy
Clinical researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) have confirmed that patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer ("tonsil cancer") harbour a common type of human papilloma virus (HPV16), but also that such cancers are very sensitive to radiation.
MSU researcher: Obesity significantly cuts odds of successful pregnancy
Obese women are as much as 28 percent less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy, according to research that earned a Michigan State University professor a national award.
Survey: Awareness of COPD is rising, but understanding is still low
Awareness of COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-continues to grow in the United States, according to national survey results released today by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.
Smokers with common autoimmune disorder at higher risk for skin damage
As if there weren't enough reasons to stop smoking, a team of researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) have just found another.
Help your kidneys: Pass on salt and diet soda
Individuals who consume a diet high in sodium or artificially sweetened drinks are more likely to experience a decline in kidney function, according to two papers being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting in San Diego, California.
Study spotlights efficacy of questionnaire to identify patients at high risk for lung cancer
A study featured in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer.
More Smoking Current Events and Smoking News Articles
 |
LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Computer by LifeSign QuitKey alters your smoking routine and eases you off cigarettes gradually. QuitKey reminds you when to smoke and when not to smoke. Step by step. Hour by hour. One day at a time. The QuitKey approach to quit smoking culminates 20 years of research. It was developed and proven effective with grants from the National Institutes of Health and builds on the enormous success of LifeSign, a first generation smoking cessation computer that uses the same gradual reduction technology. QuitKey works in two stages. Stage 1 (7 days): You smoke at your normal rate and use the QuitKey smoke button to record every cigarette you smoke. QuitKey uses this information to form your personal quit plan. Stage 2 (14 to 34 days): QuitKey helps you follow your quit plan by prompting you when to... |
 |
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method by Allen Carr (Author) A new edition of the revolutionary bestseller, with four million copies in print. Allen Carr’s innovative Easyway method—which he discovered after his own 100-cigarette-a-day habit nearly drove him to despair—has helped millions kick smoking without feeling anxious and deprived. That’s because he helps smokers discover the psychological reasons behind their dependency, explains in detail how to handle the withdrawal symptoms, shows them how to avoid situations when temptation might become too strong, and enables them to stay smoke-free. Carr discusses such issues as nicotine addiction; the social “brainwashing” that encourages smoking; the false belief that a cigarette relieves stress; the role boredom plays in sabotaging efforts to stop; and the main reasons for failure. With... |
![NicoDerm CQ STEP 1 - 3 Week Kit - 21 Clear Nicotine Patches [Health and Beauty]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xcLfH06pL._SL160_.jpg) |
NicoDerm CQ STEP 1 - 3 Week Kit - 21 Clear Nicotine Patches [Health and Beauty] by Nicoderm NicoDerm CQ is a small clear nicotine patch. When you put on a NicoDermCQ patch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQ patch is very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 24 or 16 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQ patch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine. Smoking cessation and stop smoking aids. |
 |
Smoking Food: A Beginner's Guide by Chris Dubbs (Author), Dave Heberle (Author) Everything you need to know about home smoking. In Smoking Food, Chris Dubbs and Dave Heberle assure us that smoking is an art, not a science, and they fearlessly reveal that art's essentials—and how simple they can be. They explain how to choose the best fuels (you can use corncobs!), how to build smokers from old refrigerators and cardboard boxes, and, of course, how to smoke everything from turkeys to turtles. Their advice is as ingenious and cost-conscious as any given by Alton Brown. Aware of the needs and wants of the modern cook, they include low-sodium preparations, alternatives to preservatives like sodium nitrite, and thoughts on safely handling meat. With more than one hundred recipes and tips for making brines, marinades, cheeses, appetizers, soups, and main dishes,... |
 |
Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition) Starring: Joan Lunden, Eric Haberman, Aaron Eckhart, Mary Jo Smith, Todd Louiso Directed By: Jason Reitman WARNING: Thank You For Smoking "just might make you laugh your head off!" (MAXIM). Aaron Eckhart stars as Nick Naylor, a sexy, charismatic spin-doctor for Big Tobacco who'll fight to protect America's right to smoke -- even if it kills him -- while still remaining a role model for his 12-year old son. When he incurs the wrath of a senator (William H. Macy) bent on snuffing out cigarettes, Nick's powers of "filtering the truth" will be put to the test. As Nick says, "If you want an easy job, go work for the Red Cross." |
 |
Smoking Everywhere 3.0 Gold 16mg High Mint Cartridge 5-Pack by Smoking Everywhere |
 |
Hugh Hefner Smoking Jacket Costume by Zoogster Costumes Our Hugh Hefner Costume features the classic Hugh Hefner smoking jacket with pockets, belt closure and pipe. Youve always dreamed of being him, so why not look like him? Pants not included. |
 |
Mastering the Craft of Smoking Food by Warren R. Anderson (Author) Here is an exceptionally complete guide to making real smoked food at home that tastes far better than commercially made products. |
 |
Brand New in Box Classic Tobacco Smoking Pipe by Sandra This is a beautiful smoking pipe. It is detachable into three pieces for easy cleaning. The pipe includes replacement auxiliary rubber rings, which are used to seal the detachment and one filter. This is the perfect gift for yourself or a beloved pipe smoker. Very old style, vintage type pipe. Small holes in bowl head allow for even smoke distribution with no need for a screen. Anti clog mouth peace will ensure you are ready to smoke at a moments notice! |
 |
X-Halers Smokeless Cigarette and CD Stop Smoking Program by X-Halers Smoking Cessation, Nicotine-free, all natural, program that comes with a new scientifically designed smokless plastic cigarette which is to be used in place of smoking real tobacco cigarettes. Also comes with an entire stop smoking program on a 40 minute CD which is easy to use and understand. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |