Boost Bone Health – Stop Smoking

Monday, 19 April 2010 20:19

The harm that smoking can do to the lungs is well known. But too many smokers may not be aware of the negative effects of smoking on the bones. The New York State Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Program notes, for example, that young smokers tend not to reach peak bone mass, which makes them susceptible to osteoporosis as they age. And both male and female smokers lose bone more rapidly, significantly increasing their risk of hip fractures.

The following are just a few of the programs available for those who have decided to stop smoking and need help in being successful:

Smokefree.gov – A National Cancer Institute site, smokefree.gov focuses on quitting smoking in the short term and staying tobacco-free going forward. It focuses providing different resources for a wide range of different needs.

Pathways to Freedom – Designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with churches, service organizations, and educational institutions, this guide addresses African Americans. It is available for free at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/pathways or by calling 1 (800) 232-1311.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Independence from Smoking – This web-based education and support program is available in both English and Spanish and is produced by the Women’s Health Information Center.

Kick the Smoking Habit/Rompa con el hábito de fumar – This free booklet is produced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It is written in a friendly conversational style and focuses on how quitting smoking can reduce numerous health risks. It is available at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/sp_smok.htm or by calling (301) 592-8573.