Women and Lung Disease

It's well documented that women develop alcoholism and related disorders more quickly than men .. now a study shows women smokers develop CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE and EMPHYSEMA more quickly than men.

The study is the first to compare men and women and lung disease. It was done
at the University of Michigan and reported in the August 1, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.

The study shows women had shorter smoking histories and lower body mass index than men and experienced more breathlessness, lower lung function and decreased exercise capacity compared to men. They also reported more depression, a lower quality of well-being and scored more poorly on a test for overall mental health.

What makes this so important is that in 2000, the number of women with COPD surpassed the number of men.

If you need help in kicking the habit .. contact the American Cancer Society or talk with your physician about local programs.

Kicking the Cigarette Habit

Willie Nelson sings " mother's don't let your children grow up to be cowboys" --- well, cowboys ( or cowgirls) is better than letting your kids grow up to be smokers. The latest research shows 85 to 90 % of all lung cancers are linked to cigarette smoke. Because there is no reliable, simple and widespread early screening, too often lung cancer is detected when it's progressed beyond treatment. If you are a smoker and trying to kick the habit consider calling the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY QUITS (1-866-697-8487) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.
http://www.health.state.ny.us/healthaz/