This time of year, we often think about our health. In the fall and winter months, we get flu shots and other immunizations to protect us from illnesses of the season. During the holidays, we count our blessings, which often include being in good health.
But for 15 million Americans and 500,000 Tennesseans who are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this can be a difficult time of year.
COPD is an umbrella term that includes the diseases emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which are primarily caused by tobacco use.
People who suffer from COPD have difficulty breathing and experience chronic coughing. They are also more susceptible to certain diseases such as pneumococcal disease, meningitis, tetanus and whooping cough. As many as 12 million people across the country are undiagnosed or are in the stages of developing COPD.
That's why it is important that this month is designated as National COPD Awareness Month as well as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. When we think of the dangers of smoking, lung cancer immediately comes to mind, but we also need to know more about COPD to adequately treat those currently affected by it and to prevent future cases.
Smoking cessation resources
› www.tnquitline.org› 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Dr. Vince ViscomiNearly 17 percent of adults in America smoke or use tobacco products regularly. In Tennessee, 25 percent of adults report regular use of tobacco products.
That not only negatively affects the quality of life for our citizens, it is costly to our health-care system. One out of every four Tennesseans either is already grappling with tobacco-related health problems or runs a high risk of doing so in the future. Treatment is expensive.
As this year draws to a close and we look forward to a new year, what better time for Tennesseans who use tobacco products to make a commitment to stop?
While there is no cure for COPD, quitting tobacco use is critical to treatment. So, whether it is those who suffer from COPD or lung cancer, or to prevent others from becoming a future statistic, now is the time for us to help those who use tobacco to seek out available resources to quit.
There are a number of resources available in Tennessee, including employer-sponsored wellness programs, county public health departments and local health-care institutions.
I encourage you to visit www.tnquitline.org for more information and access to resources, including an online cessation tool, or you can call the Quit for Life program at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to speak with a counselor who can help you create a plan to quit tobacco use. Smokers may also receive free FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy.
As we kick off the holiday season, let's take the time to focus on our health and commit to making it a priority.
Dr. Vince Viscomi is a pulmonologist in Chattanooga and past president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.