Smoking and Osteoporosis
Smoking and Osteoporosis Everyone knows that smoking increases the risk of many diseases and illnesses, but what you might not know, is that it also puts you at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. And, if you don’t think brittle bones is a big deal, think again. It is the fourth leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and stroke. A woman is more likely to die of complications from a hip fracture than of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer combined. If a woman survives the complications of the fracture, she is at a greater risk of never walking again, and/or being unable to live independently. Effect of tobacco on your bones • Smoking decreases the amount of available estrogen to your body resulting in bone deterioration.
Trying to quit It’s hard to quit during menopause because of the other symptoms we face during this time such as weight gain, irritability and hot flashes. Who wants to add nicotine withdrawal to this set? However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cigarette smoking increases hot flashes and mood disturbances during the menopause transition. No matter how many years you have had this bad habit, or how many cigarettes a day, it is in your power to quit. No one is hostage to the cigarette. Take this test: • Do you love your cigarettes more than you love your health? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then it is time for you to quit, my friend. It just doesn’t seem like a fair trade-off. My guess is that you want to quit. Who doesn’t? But you’re having too hard of a time. My suggestion is that you try out this website www.smokefree.gov . They have free resources and guides. There’s no single method that works for everyone, and many women need a combination of methods and assistance to make it work including social support, counseling and possibly medication. Remember that your withdrawal symptoms are only temporary, whereas the improvement in your health once you quit is permanent.
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