Tag: SMOKING

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Health Lite Blogs

Smoking Linked to Faster Cognitive Ageing

However, the new study showed that among the healthy behaviours, “not smoking may be the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function”…reports Asian Lite News

Want to maintain sharp memory skills and cognitive function as you age? Cutting down on smoking suggests a large study that found it to be a key lifestyle factor linked to cognitive decline.

The study, published in Nature Communications, is based on a 10-year survey of 32,000 adults aged 50 or over from 14 countries in Europe.

The team led by researchers from the University College London, UK showed that cognitive decline was faster for lifestyles that included smoking. People who smoked had cognitive scores that declined up to 85 per cent more over 10 years than those who did not.

Lead author Mikaela Bloomberg (UCL Behavioural Science & Health) said the study “is observational; it cannot definitively establish cause and effect, but it suggests smoking might be a particularly important factor influencing the rate of cognitive ageing”.

As per previous studies, people who engaged in more healthy behaviours like regular exercise, and moderate alcohol intake have slower cognitive decline. However, it did not specify whether all behaviours contributed equally to cognitive decline.

However, the new study showed that among the healthy behaviours, “not smoking may be the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function”.

Among those unable to stop smoking, the study suggests engaging in other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and remaining socially active “to offset adverse cognitive effects”, Mikaela said.

ALSO READ-Prolonged Sitting Equals Dangers of Smoking, Obesity

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Health Lite Blogs

Prolonged Sitting Equals Dangers of Smoking, Obesity

Prolonged sitting as bad as smoking a daily cigarette pack (Photo:IANSlife)

The doctor advised taking 5-minute standing or walking breaks after every 30-45 minutes of sitting while suggesting some measures to minimise sitting duration…reports Asian Lite News

Does your occupation require you to sit for long hours? Beware, it may worsen your health and raise the risk of death similar to that of obesity and smoking, warned a doctor on Thursday. “If you sit for more than 8 hours daily and don’t do any physical activity, your risk of dying is similar to that posed by smoking and obesity,” Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said in a post on social media platform X.com.

The neurologist noted that “health hazards associated with prolonged sitting are increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, abdominal adiposity (obesity), elevated LDL cholesterol & triglycerides, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and premature death”. To counter the ill effects of prolonged sitting, Dr Sudhir suggested “60-75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity daily (such as brisk walking, running or cycling)”. However, he warned that sitting for more than 13 hours daily, while also doing exercise “cannot counter the ill-effects posed by prolonged sitting”.

The doctor advised taking 5-minute standing or walking breaks after every 30-45 minutes of sitting while suggesting some measures to minimise sitting duration. “Prefer standing work desks, have meetings and coffee breaks in standing position, reduce leisure-time sitting (such as while watching TV, mobile phones, other electronic gadgets), and schedule 45-60 minutes walk daily,” Dr Sudhir said.  

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-Top News UK News

Sunak faces resistance over his smoking ban plans

“The truth is that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. It is uniquely harmful, and that is why we are taking this important action today to protect the next generation,” said UK Health Secretary Victoria Atkins…reports Asian Lite News

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces very vocal resistance against his plans to effectively ban smoking for anyone aged 15 and younger as a new bill comes up for a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The British Indian leader proposed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill last year and declared his vision for creating a “smokefree generation” by making it an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009, which covers children aged 15. Once it clears its parliamentary journey, the new legislation will introduce some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking laws in the country.

“I propose that in future we raise the smoking age by one year, every year. That means a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they — and their generation — can grow up smoke-free. We know this works,” Sunak had declared at the Conservative Party conference in October last year.

As there is Opposition backing for the bill in Parliament and governing Conservative MPs have a free vote on the bill, any Tory votes against the bill will not be seen as a full-blown rebellion against the Prime Minister. But two of Sunak’s immediate predecessors, Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, have been leading a very vocal group of Tories who plan to vote against the bill as “un-Conservative” and taking away choice from the public.

“The truth is that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. It is uniquely harmful, and that is why we are taking this important action today to protect the next generation,” said UK Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.

“This Bill will save thousands of lives, ease the strain on our NHS [National Health Service], and improve the UK’s productivity,” she said. Under the new law, smoking itself would not be criminalised, and anyone who can legally buy tobacco will not be prevented from doing so. The ban aims to stop people from smoking even before they start as the government pointed to its highly addictive nature, with four in five smokers picking it up before the age of 20, remaining addicted for life. If passed, the bill will progress to the next stage, bringing the UK closer to creating the first smoke-free generation, the government says.

Under the plans, trading standards officers would get new powers to issue on-the-spot 100-pound fines to shops selling tobacco or vapes to children, with all the money raised going towards further enforcement. “This historic legislation will consign smoking to the ‘ash heap of history’,” said Deborah Arnott, head of the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would also give the government new powers to tackle youth vaping by restricting flavours and regulating the way that vapes are sold and packaged to make them less appealing to children. The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said while vaping can play a useful role in helping adult smokers to quit, non-smokers and children should never vape.

The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown, and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive, it warned.

According to official figures, responsible for around 80,000 deaths annually, smoking is the UK’s single biggest preventable killer and costs the NHS and economy an estimated GBP 17 billion a year — more than the GBP 10 billion annual revenue from tobacco taxation.

ALSO READ-Sunak’s attempt to ban smoking is nuts, says Johnson

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

From Smoke to Stress

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between the central nervous system and the gut, involving complex interactions between the gut microbiota, immune system, and the enteric nervous system…writes Dr. Debojyoti Dhar

When we talk of smoking, the first thoughts that cross our minds regarding its health implications are of oral and lung cancer; thanks to the statutory warning that comes with all tobacco products. However, smoking has negative effects beyond that. Yes, from the well-established effects on respiratory to heart health, smoking takes a toll on mental health as well. An interesting pathway by which smoking impacts mental health is linked to gut health. 

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between the central nervous system and the gut, involving complex interactions between the gut microbiota, immune system, and the enteric nervous system. The gut microbiota is the group of trillions of microorganisms that reside in our digestive tract and affect our overall health. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating mood, cognition, and emotional responses. Remember how balance is regarded as key to success in every sphere of life? This balance holds great relevance in terms of the quality and quantity of the microbes we have in our gut. Disruptions in the delicate balance of the gut can lead to a variety of mental health issues, with smoking being a contributor to this disturbance.

Smoking and Gut Microbiota

Research indicates that smoking can alter the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Smoking disrupts this microbial balance, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decline in beneficial ones. For example, Bifidobacter is a beneficial bacteria that is found in abundance in a healthy gut but its population decreases significantly in smokers. Similarly, Proteobacteria (major group or phylum) consisting of pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia, Vibrio etc is increased in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Such imbalances, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Inflammatory Response

Smoking is a well-known trigger for inflammation throughout the body, and the gut is no exception. In fact, smoking directly and also by causing dysbiosis in the gut can cause chronic inflammation in the gut.  Studies have shown that patients with chronic gut inflammation are prone to depression and anxiety.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood and emotional well-being. Smoking-induced changes in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can disrupt the balance of these neurotransmitters, contributing to the development of mental health disorders. Serotonin, in particular, is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and alterations in its levels have been linked to conditions like depression.

Impact on Stress Response

Smoking not only affects the gut microbiota but also influences the stress response. Chronic exposure to stress can contribute to mental health disorders, and smoking appears to exacerbate this effect. The alterations in the gut microbiota caused by smoking can influence the body’s ability to cope with stress, further compromising mental well-being.

While the detrimental effects of smoking on physical health are well-established, the impact on mental health through the intricate connection with gut health is a relatively recent area of exploration. Understanding the link between smoking, gut health, and mental well-being opens up new avenues for intervention and treatment. Smoking cessation not only benefits respiratory and cardiovascular health but also contributes to restoring the delicate balance of the gut-brain axis, promoting a healthier mind and body. As research in this field progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the journey to mental well-being may, in part, start with a smoke-free life.

ALSO READ-Sitting is new smoking

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Health Lite Blogs

Sitting is new smoking

CAIT demands 'Work from Home' policy

This pose stretches the arms and allows the shoulders to relax, releasing tension. Make sure to plant your palms on the mat or under your feet when you perform this asana. Hold this pose for 5 counts…writes Radhika Iyer

When you sit continuously for a long period of time, you attract a cluster of chronic health conditions such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, body pain, weak muscles and so on. Oh, and it is also linked to raising the chances of heart disease. And yet, all we do is sit for hours at a desk at work. One way to combat the terrible effects of over-sitting is through yoga. Not only do yoga asanas open up the body and strengthen it, but performing asanas can help you go inward and realise that you can choose if you feel stressed or not. Do the following asanas every day, preferably after work:

Adho Mukha Svanasana ( Downward Dog)

This asana is a holistic posture that strengthens multiple areas of the body. It helps lengthen and strengthen the muscles in our body, especially the neck and shoulders. When you perform this pose, your head also receives more blood flow. Overall, it is great for stretching your body. Hold on for 8 counts.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)

This pose stretches the arms and allows the shoulders to relax, releasing tension. Make sure to plant your palms on the mat or under your feet when you perform this asana. Hold this pose for 5 counts.

Marjaryasana & Bitilasana (Cat/ Cow Pose)

The cat-cow pose is extremely relaxing and allows us to slow down, focus on our breath, and move our spine in alignment with our breathing. This asana is a great stress reliever and is good for relaxing and strengthening the back. Do at least eight repetitions of both cats and cows.

Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon Pose)

The hips store a lot of tension and get very tight, especially as we age. This is why doing a split hurts so much-your muscles in that area are tight and restricted. Ardha Kapotasana slowly opens up the hips, releasing tension and making you feel light. Hold the pose for 10 counts.

Slow Neck Stretches

The simple practise of stretching your neck can release pent-up tension in your shoulders and neck area. Practice this twice a day, in the morning and at the beginning of your practise after work. Do slow, concentrated neck stretches, holding each side for 5 counts.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Can you keep your kids away from smoking?

Talk with them about the serious health issues that can come up with smoking, preferably using real life examples…writes Priyanka Thukral Mahajan

Smoking is a habit that is detrimental for people across all ages. For kids, it starts as fun, becomes a habit and later an addiction. There are various trigger points like peer pressure which relate smoking to maturity and independence or just the urge to try out new things in life.

To prevent your kids from getting into this lifetime addiction, here’s what can help:

Discussion is key: Discuss with your children about smoking in a friendly way. Ask them how much they know about smoking and make them aware that smoking is harmful to them. Some parents ignore talking about this topic due to their own inhibitions, but it is always advised to have a healthy discussion to know their viewpoint on smoking.

Importance of saying No: When children are entering their teens, peer pressure is the maximum and most of them succumb to this. You must sit with them and encourage them to say no whenever they are asked for a smoke. In fact, as a parent you should practice with them saying “Sorry, I don’t smoke”.

Stress on the health issues: A lot of children think vaping (e-cigarettes) and other commonly used methods like candy cigarettes, water pipes (hookah) is safe. They should be made aware of the contrary. Talk with them about the serious health issues that can come up with smoking, preferably using real life examples. Make them understand the harmful effects of passive smoking as well, and they should avoid places where people are smoking.

Calculate the money: Do the math and make them calculate how much they spend on cigarettes and e-cigarettes, if taken daily. Then the number of cigarettes they will be smoking in a month and a year. Compare it to the things they can buy with that much amount of money like smartphones, dresses or anything else.

Understand the attraction: Some teens might smoke as a way to express rebellion. You must sit with them and explain them how advertising agencies make smoking look cool, glamorous, and sexy. Explain them that the perceptions created by them are false. And now even during the smoking related scenes on media, where they depict people smoking, it is always accompanied by a small caption on the screen “Cigarette Smoking is Injurious to Health”.

Set an example: If you are a smoking parent, it is advised that you stop smoking and set an example in front of them. It is advised to make them understand your challenges related to smoking. Do not keep any stuff related to smoking at home which is easily accessible to them. They might try it out of curiosity.

Even one cigarette harms: Make your children understand that even a single cigarette can make you get addicted to smoking. Hence, even trying for fun may lead to lifelong habit. Tell them that most of the adult smokers start as teens and quitting is a tough job.

If you as parents support your kids and discuss with them all the important issues related to smoking you can keep them away from smoking and give them a happy and healthy future.

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