Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable diseases in the United States. Smoking accounts for about 440,000 deaths yearly. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also know as emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis, continually ranks among the leading causes of death in the United States. If these are not enough reasons to quit smoking, also know that smoking plays a role in all of the following diseases: Smoking-related diseases Lung cancer Heart disease, heart attacks, and…

Why Is It So Hard to Quit Smoking? If you smoke cigarettes, your family members and friends have probably voiced their concerns by saying something like, “Smoking is so bad for you, why do you do it?” People start smoking for different reasons. They might think it will help calm their nerves, make them look more mature or be an adventure. But it wasn’t the best choice and now they really do want to quit. So why is it so hard? It is hard to quit smoking because the nicotine in cigarettes,…

If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs and overall health. It is NEVER too late to quit or experience the benefits related to quitting. When you quit smoking, you will: Prolong your life. Decrease your risk of disease (including lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers and other conditions). Reduce your risk of respiratory and anesthesia complications after an operation. Decrease the chance that…

Most people associate cigarette smoking and tobacco use with breathing problems and lung cancer. But smoking is also a major cause of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. No. 1 Cause of Preventable Disease and Death Smoking and tobacco use are significant risk factors for a variety of chronic disorders. According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States, accounting for 440,000 of the more…

If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs. It is never too late to quit. Your body can show drastic improvements within minutes of your last cigarette. Your health can improve and you may feel more lively and energetic. Below is a list of certain health benefits you may receive after quitting smoking. A Timeline of Your Body After You Quit Smoking Once you quit smoking, your body will experience changes instantly, as well as long-term health…

Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments. Proper posture: Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly. Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis. Decreases the stress on the…

The spine (or backbone) runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It serves as a pillar to support the body's weight and to protect the spinal cord. There are three natural curves in the spine that give it an "S" shape when viewed from the side. These curves help the spine withstand great amounts of stress by providing a more even distribution of body weight. The spine is made up of a series of bones that are stacked like blocks on top of each other with cushions called discs in between…

What Causes Wrinkles? From environmental factors to lifestyle choices, the onset of wrinkles has many causes. The following are the most significant: Aging With age, skin cells divide slower and the inner layer of the skin begins to thin. The network of elastin and collagen fibers which support the outer layer loosens and unravels. With aging, skin also loses its elasticity and is less able to retain moisture. In addition, oil-secreting glands are less efficient and the skin is slower to…

Can Alcoholism Be Cured? No, alcoholism cannot be cured at this time. Even if an alcoholic hasn't been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Not drinking is the safest course for most people with alcoholism. Can Alcoholism Be Treated? Yes, alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives. Which Medications Treat…

Follow these steps to help you cut down and manage your drinking: Write your reasons for cutting down or stopping. There are many reasons why you may want to cut down or stop drinking. You may want to improve your health, sleep better, or get along better with your family or friends. Set a drinking limit. Choose a limit for how much you will drink. You may choose to cut down or not to drink at all. If you are cutting down, keep below these limits: Women: No more than one drink a…

Alcoholism is a disease in which a person drinks alcohol even though drinking hurts his or her life. Alcoholics often find that they have problems with people close to them, with school or work, and with other parts of their lives. Alcoholism can happen after a month or years of drinking. It is a disease that gets worse the more the person keeps drinking. Without treatment, it can destroy both emotional and physical health and can lead to death. Alcoholism is often called a family disease…

When you regularly get a test known as a PAP smear, you greatly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. What Is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is a tumor or growth in the tissue of a woman's cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the womb, or uterus, through which babies pass when they are born. It is located high inside the vagina. If not treated, cancer of the cervix can be deadly and/or can affect pregnancy and delivery by increasing the need for cervical procedures and…

Acesulfame-k — an artificial sweetener used in place of sugar because it has very few calories. Acetone — a chemical formed in the blood when the body uses fat instead of glucose (sugar) for energy. If acetone forms, it usually means the cells do not have enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin that is in the blood, to use glucose for energy. Acetone passes through the body into the urine. Acidosis — too much acid in the body. For a person with diabetes, this can lead to…

Health Organizations Note: This is not a complete listing and inclusion does not imply endorsement by Cleveland Clinic. Remember to always follow the advice of your doctor and healthcare team. American Association of Diabetes Educators 200 West Madison Street, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 800.338.3633 Diabetes Educator Access Line: 1.800.TEAMUP (338.3633) American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 245 Riverside Avenue, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32202 904.353.7878 American…

The Causes of Diabetes Healthcare clinicians do not yet know what causes diabetes. However, they do know that certain factors can increase your risk of getting diabetes. If you participate in the following behaviors or have genetic links to these factors, you may develop diabetes: Family history of diabetes or inherited tendency African-American, Hispanic or Native American race or ethnic background Obesity (being 20 percent or more over your desired body weight) Physical stress…

With your doctor's permission, you may enjoy alcohol in moderation. Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women; no more than two drinks per day for men. One drink is equal to 5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer, or 1½ oz. of distilled spirits. Here are some guidelines for drinking alcohol if you have diabetes: Check with your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages. Discuss the safety and possible side effects of mixing alcohol and your medicines. Never drink on…

Your healthcare team includes your doctor, dietitian, diabetes educator, exercise trainer and pharmacist. But remember, you are the most important member of the team. Your healthcare team is available to help you manage your diabetes and maintain your good health. How Often Should I See My Doctor? People with diabetes who are treated with insulin shots generally should see their doctor at least every three to four months. People with diabetes who are treated with pills or who are managing…

Diabetes can be controlled by your diet and exercise level. By keeping your blood glucose in control, you can lessen the effects of diabetes. To keep your blood glucose levels within goal range, you need to balance the following: Food Diabetes medications (if taken) Physical activity By familiarizing yourself with each of these factors, you will be able to achieve optimal blood glucose goals. What Is the Role of Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. About…

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Normally, after a meal, the body breaks food down into glucose, which the blood carries to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the…

To better understand diabetes, it helps to know more about how the body uses food for energy (a process called metabolism). Your body is made up of millions of cells. To make energy, the cells need food in a very simple form. When you eat or drink, much of your food is broken down into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose provides the energy your body needs for daily activities. The blood vessels and blood are the highways that transport sugar from where it is either taken in (the stomach)…