cigarette smoking Archives - Mayo Clinic News Network https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ News Resources Mon, 19 Feb 2018 20:11:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Mayo Clinic Minute: Are e-cigarettes safe? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-are-e-cigarettes-safe/ Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:00:08 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=183113 Most health officials will tell you they believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than a conventional tobacco cigarette. But there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding the damage that e-cigarette vapor can cause to a person's body over time. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice exposed […]

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]]> Most health officials will tell you they believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than a conventional tobacco cigarette. But there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding the damage that e-cigarette vapor can cause to a person's body over time.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor experienced DNA damage to certain organs that could increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Because there are so many unknowns and there is no scientific evidence that vaping is safe, Mayo Clinic experts urge e-cigarette users to be cautious. Jason Howland has more in this Mayo Clinic Minute.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (0:59) is in the downloads. Read the script.

The use of electronic cigarettes, also called vaping, has exploded in the last five years.

"There are probably 600 different kinds you can purchase on the internet," says Dr. J. Taylor Hays, director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. "There are 7-8,000 different solutions that you can purchase."

Dr. Hays says e-cigarette manufacturing is a relatively unregulated industry. And, while some people might think they are safe to vape, Dr. Hays says the harmful chemicals in that vapor are similar to tobacco smoke but at much lower levels.

"It's safer, but it's not safe," he says. "What we don't know are what long-term effects will these lower-level toxicants have."

Dr. Hays says some patients prefer to use e-cigarettes as an aid to stop smoking. He says, while vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, there are safer and proven effective alternatives for people who want to quit smoking.

"And that's behavioral counseling — even brief counseling — and approved medications," says Dr. Hays.

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]]> https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/n7-mcnn/7bcc9724adf7b803/uploads/2017/07/e-cigarette-resting-on-a-table-with-smoke-or-vapor-coming-out-1x1.jpg https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/n7-mcnn/7bcc9724adf7b803/uploads/2017/07/e-cigarette-resting-on-a-table-with-smoke-or-vapor-coming-out-16x9.jpg Housecall: Are Your Child’s Immunizations Up to Date? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/housecall-are-your-childs-immunizations-up-to-date/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:00:56 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=97706 THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Vaccines: Keep your child's shots on track Along with new pencils and notebooks, your child may need certain shots before heading back to school. Are his or her vaccines up to date? Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms To foil frequent headaches, first figure out what type you have. […]

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]]> a multiracial group of four children, girls and boys, walking arm-in-arm in a schoolyard

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Vaccines: Keep your child's shots on track
Along with new pencils and notebooks, your child may need certain shots before heading back to school. Are his or her vaccines up to date?

Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms
To foil frequent headaches, first figure out what type you have. Reaching for pills to ease the pain isn't always the best approach.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Cigar smoking: Safer than cigarette smoking?
Cigars aren't that different from cigarettes. Both contain nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals.

Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
Colon cleansing is popular among some alternative medicine practitioners who claim it has health benefits. Get the facts.

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HEALTHY RECIPES
Carne asada
Pico de gallo
Smoked Gouda poblano turkey burger
Warm coleslaw with honey dressing

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Time for new walking shoes?
If you walk regularly, your athletic shoes are bound to show signs of wear. And, even if they still feel comfortable, they might not be providing enough support or shock absorption. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes. If the outsole is worn through, it's time for a new pair.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover even more healthy lifestyle topics at MayoClinic.org.

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Nutrition-wise: Stay cool: How to prevent heat-related illness
Did you know that diet can play a role in dehydration? Learn how to stay safe this summer and fend off heat-related illnesses.

Receive a free e-subscription to Housecall and other health newsletters.

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]]> https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/n7-mcnn/7bcc9724adf7b803/uploads/2016/08/a-multiracial-group-of-four-children-girls-and-boys-walking-arm-in-arm-in-a-schoolyard-1X1.jpg https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/n7-mcnn/7bcc9724adf7b803/uploads/2016/08/a-multiracial-group-of-four-children-girls-and-boys-walking-arm-in-arm-in-a-schoolyard-16X9.jpg Mayo Clinic Radio: Nicotine Addiction/Food Diaries/Healthy Holiday Meals https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-radio-nicotine-addictionfood-diarieshealthy-holiday-meals-2/ Thu, 19 Nov 2015 22:00:26 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=76852 According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. Despite that, some 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and more start every day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, Dr. Jon Ebbert, who treats patients at the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, […]

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]]> table set for holiday dinner, turkey on tableAccording to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. Despite that, some 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and more start every day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, Dr. Jon Ebbert, who treats patients at the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, talks about the latest approaches to quitting smoking. Also on the program, keeping a food diary may be the most effective way to avoid unwanted weight gain during the holidays. Psychologist Dr. Karen Grothe explains why. And registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky has healthful tips for turning traditional holiday fare into dishes that taste good, but that won't break your calorie bank.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Beyond a certain age, the damage from smoking is done and quitting has no health benefit.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

Listen to this program at 9:05 a.m. CT on Saturday, November 21 and follow #MayoClinicRadio.

Access archived shows.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

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]]> Mayo Clinic Radio: Nicotine Addiction/Food Diaries/Healthy Holiday Meals https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-radio-nicotine-addictionfood-diarieshealthy-holiday-meals/ Sun, 15 Nov 2015 22:41:46 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=76672 According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. Despite that, some 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and more start every day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, Dr. Jon Ebbert, who treats patients at the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, […]

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]]> According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. Despite that, some 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and more start every day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, Dr. Jon Ebbert, who treats patients at the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, talks about the latest approaches to quitting smoking. Also on the program, keeping a food diary may be the most effective way to avoid unwanted weight gain during the holidays. Psychologist Dr. Karen Grothe explains why. And registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky has healthful tips for turning traditional holiday fare into dishes that taste good, but that won't break your calorie bank.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Beyond a certain age, the damage from smoking is done and quitting has no health benefit.

Miss the show?  Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

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]]> Monday’s Housecall https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mondays-housecall-47/ Mon, 10 Mar 2014 20:18:00 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=39851 THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Recipe makeovers: 5 ways to create healthy recipes Use these handy techniques to reduce the fat, calories and salt in your favorite recipes. Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep Better sleep can be yours! Consider these sleep tips, such as making a sleep schedule and getting some exercise every day, […]

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]]> Blue and While Housecall Banner with Mayo Clinic three shields

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES
Recipe makeovers: 5 ways to create healthy recipes
Use these handy techniques to reduce the fat, calories and salt in your favorite recipes.

Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep
Better sleep can be yours! Consider these sleep tips, such as making a sleep schedule and getting some exercise every day, if you're weary.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Cigar smoking: Safer than cigarette smoking?
Like cigarettes, cigars contain nicotine, tobacco and cancer-causing chemicals.

Zumba: What are the benefits?
Zumba, a dance-based workout, can add variety to your exercise routine.Women exercising to Zumba aerobics

HEALTHY RECIPES
Barbecue chicken pizza
Fresh fruit kebabs with lemon lime dip
Soft tacos with southwestern vegetables
Wacky chocolate cake

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Snoring solution: Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side to help prevent snoring. Lying on your back allows your tongue to fall backward into your throat, which narrows your airway and partially obstructs airflow. To stay off your back, try sleeping in a tight-fitting T-shirt with a tennis ball sewn or attached to the back. This uncomfortable trick will remind you to roll over. Or raise up the head of your bed by about four inches.

Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Belly fat in men: Why weight loss matters
Slide show: A look inside your eyes
Thrombophlebitis
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NOW BLOGGING
Stress: Concentration and conditioning keep you in the game
Concentration and conditioning are keys to success in sports and life.

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]]> Combined Therapy Benefits Cigarette Smokers Trying to Quit Compared to Monotherapy https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/combined-therapy-benefits-cigarette-smokers-trying-to-quit-compared-to-monotherapy/ Tue, 07 Jan 2014 18:30:41 +0000 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/?p=34477 ROCHESTER, Minn. — Jan. 7, 2014 — Among cigarette smokers, combining the smoking cessation medications varenicline and bupropion, compared with varenicline alone, resulted in higher smoking abstinence rates for one outcome but not the other at three and six months; rates were similar at one year, according to a Mayo Clinic study published this month […]

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]]> ROCHESTER, Minn. — Jan. 7, 2014 — Among cigarette smokers, combining the smoking cessation medications varenicline and bupropion, compared with varenicline alone, resulted in higher smoking abstinence rates for one outcome but not the other at three and six months; rates were similar at one year, according to a Mayo Clinic study published this month in JAMA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozV9O2_uSDI&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

“We were interested in seeing if combining different medications together can improve the ability of patients to quit over and above single drug therapy,” says lead author Jon Ebbert, M.D., Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. “What we found was an increase in quit rates, and the increase in quit rates was particularly strong in heavier and more dependent smokers.”fist smashing cigarettes

The study authors looked at the efficacy of combining the medications varenicline and bupropion SR (sustained-release) for smoking cessation, compared with varenicline alone (monotherapy). In addition, the research team analyzed data based on participants’ smoking rate and level of nicotine dependence.

Cigarette smokers were randomized to 12 weeks of varenicline and bupropion SR or varenicline and placebo with follow-up through 52 weeks. The primary outcome was smoking abstinence rates at week 12, defined as prolonged abstinence (no smoking from two weeks after the target quit date) and seven-day point-prevalence abstinence (no smoking past seven days). Outcomes were confirmed with an exhaled breath test for carbon monoxide.

Combination therapy was associated with significantly higher prolonged smoking abstinence rates at 12 (53 percent vs. 43.2 percent) and 26 weeks (36.6 percent vs. 27.6 percent) compared with varenicline alone. No significant differences were observed between the two groups at any time point for seven-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence. Anxiety was reported more commonly with combination therapy than with varenicline monotherapy (7.2 percent vs. 3.1 percent), as were depressive symptoms (3.6 percent vs. 0.8 percent).

Additional analyses revealed that the beneficial effects of combination therapy were stronger in heavier and more dependent smokers.

“For lighter smokers, using varenicline alone is just as effective as using both medications together,” says Dr. Ebbert. “But, if you’re a heavy smoker, you really should consider using combination therapy to increase your success of quitting.”

The study was supported by National Institutes of Health grant CA138417. Medication (varenicline) was supplied by Pfizer.

Other authors include Dorothy Hatsukami, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Sharon Allen, M.D., Ph.D., Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota; Ivana Croghan, Ph.D.; Darrell Schroeder; J. Taylor Hays, M.D.; and Richard Hurt, M.D., all from Mayo Clinic.

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About Mayo Clinic
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