Understanding the Risks of Tobacco and Caffeine

HS 460Drug Use and Abuse

Nicotine and caffeine both cause physical and psychological dependence.

Facts:

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S. > 419,000 deaths annually due to smoking in the U.S. > 53,000 deaths annually due to second-hand smoke in the U.S. Smoking relates to 1:7 deaths in the U.S., all of which are unnecessary. Nicotine is found in all tobacco products.

Nicotine is found in all tobacco products, which relates to:

Heart rate Blood pressure

Interference with blood and O2 flow to the lungs. Lung cancer Restricts blood flow to the extremities gangrene. Oral cancer Tooth decay Loss of tissue elasticity skin, blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes.

Smokeless tobacco is 3-4 times more addictive than smoking.

Contains silica cutting of oral mucousa.

Facts:

25% of the adult population in the U.S. continue to smoke, even with the scientific knowledge of its potential health hazards. 3,000 teenagers in the U.S. begin smoking everyday.

With the health knowledge about the dangers of smoking, why do people continue to smoke?

Social reasons Gives them something to do Reduces social stress relaxing

Tobacco companies are targeting children and minorities.

30% of the Arizona children between the 3rd and 6th grade have tried tobacco, 10% have used smokeless tobacco. Joe Camel was listed as the 2nd most recognizable icon, Mickey Mouse was the 1st.

How do we get the message to teens and especially minority teens that tobacco is not cool?

Anti-smoking ads and slogans Ban all tobacco ads Publish tobacco law-suits and settlements in the news media Remove tobacco billboard ads near schools Anti-smoking campaigns Remove vending machines with tobacco from places where children can have access Remove ads at sporting events and on buses and trains Enforce state laws -- strengthening penalties against those who sell to minors

How do you stop smoking? Cold turkey Conscience Use patches - taper off gradually, physical benefits begin immediately:

CO decreases within 24 hours Taste buds more sensitive within 48 hours After 5 years of not smoking a person will test about the same as someone who has never smoked Increase in lung capacity The older you are when you quit the longer it will take for your body to get back to normal.

Second hand smoke causes:

Cancer Emphysema Twice the risk of Heart Disease in non-smokers Increase in risk of SIDS

Health wise there is a positive correlation between a high fat diet and smoking. The campaign against smoking and tobacco use has grown. Massive public health campaigns have focused on tobacco use. Recent legal battles have questioned the ethics and advertising strategies of the Tobacco Industry. The U.S. needs to be a global leader in the world's anti-smoking campaign.

What are the rights of tobacco users? What is the responsibility of tobacco companies to public health? Should federal and state officials legislate tobacco use? What should be the powers of the government when personal rights and personal health are in conflict?What is the U.S. responsibility in other countries? What are the possible adverse effects of caffeine? Numerous types of coffee are now available.

CNS Stimulant

Increase mental alertness Contradictions

Sleeplessness Irregular heart beat Dizziness Nausea Indigestion Mild delirium

After the effects wear off you may experience

Feel let down Weak Leads to tolerance and psychological dependency Was called coffee nerves Caffeine dependency is now called caffeine intoxication or caffeinism - Symptoms:

Anxiety Chronic insomnia Irritability

Better ways to stay alert

Balanced diet Use nutritious snacks Plan ahead and organize your time Get proper amounts of sleep Get plenty of aerobic exercise

Caffeine Content - check chart on page 150 in text.

Caffeine is found in Many OTC products, i.e.

Coffee flavored yogurt Orange soda Water

Questions: What are the possible dangers of eating or drinking hidden amounts of caffeine? Tobacco and caffeine related problems are preventable. Are you taking control? Having a smoking area in a restaurant is like having a urinal in a swimming pool.