Is Tobacco a Problem?

Smoking Cessation and Relapse Assistance and Prevention (SCRAP) program

Is Tobacco a Problem?
YES ! ! !
Tobacco smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable deaths worldwide. In 2000, it caused 4 million deaths worldwide
HK PASS (People Acting for a Smoke-less Society), 1996

SMOKING CAN CAUSE
• Intrauterine Fetal Death
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Yellowed teeth and nicotine-stained fingertips and fingernails
• Wrinkles specially around the mouth!
• Bad odors: Smoking makes your breath, hair, clothes, and car stink!

Why Quit?
Potential Lifetime Health Benefits of Quitting

Rewards for Quitting
• You’ll be free from addiction
• You’ll achieve optimum health
• Food will taste better
• You’ll save money
• You’ll feel better about yourself
• Your breath, hair, and clothes will smell better
• You’ll improve your performance in sports
• Blood pressure drops to pre-cigarette level
• Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal
• Chances of having a heart attack drops lower
• Senses of smell and taste improve and start returning to normal.
• Circulation improves and lungs work better
• Less coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath
• Risk of heart disease is about half of what it would have been if you had continued to smoke
• Risk of stroke is greatly reduced; within 5 to 15 years after quitting. Risk becomes about the same as a non-smoker’s
• Risk of dying from lung cancer is about half of what it would have been if you had continued to smoke
• The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas also decreases
• Risks of heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s

Source: www.gosmokfree.ca

NICOTINE is TRULY ADDICTING…
Nicotine releases a chemical in the brain called dopamine which brings about:
The Cycle of Nicotine Addiction: “PLEASURE-REWARD PATHWAY”
Nicotine addiction is a cycle which begins with the nicotine binding to receptors in the brain, causing the release of dopamine which, in turn, results in feelings of pleasure and calmness. Failing to quit in the past does not prevent success because RELAPSING IS COMMON. Relapsing is part of the nature of addiction, and is not due to the failure of the individual!

NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME: AN OBSTACLE TO QUITTING
Nicotine withdrawal syndrome is characterized by a combination of physical and psychological conditions which make smoking difficult to treat.
* Jarvis MJ. BMJ. 2004; 328:277-279. 2. Picciotto MR, et al.
Nicotine and Tob Res. 1999: Suppl 2:S121-S125.

SMOKERS NEED MULTI-COMPONENT HELP
Make a Choice… S.C.R.A.P the Habit SMOKING CESSATION, RELAPSE ASSISTANCE and PREVENTION (S.C.R.A.P.) Program
Don’t get hooked… QUIT!
S.C.R.A.P. the HABIT, The Medical City way!!!
S.C.R.A.P Team

S.C.R.A.P. COMPONENTS
A. Individualized Patient Assessment
B. Motivational Patient Education and Counseling
C. Supplementary Self-Help materials
D. Behavioral Modification and Cognitive Therapy
E. Assisted Pharmacologic Treatment
F. Psychosocial Support Groups
G. Relaxation and Stress-Management Techniques
H. Periodic Monitoring
I. Relapse Prevention Techniques
J. Smoking Reduction Strategies

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.
The Medical City offers a roster of competent pulmonologist who may assess and treat people who want to quit smoking.
For any inquiries please call:
CHEST CLINIC
Pulmonary Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center
Suite 207 Second Floor, Podium Building
Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6238
CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444