Page 34 - March 2024 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

• Increased risk of developing cancer causing chemicals and heavy
cancer metals like nickel, tin, and lead.
E-cigarettes should not be used around
Secondhand smoke is particularly or by children, teens or anyone that does
Secondhand Smoke Awareness dangerous to children and babies not already smoke regular cigarettes.
because their bodies are still growing.
• Insist that no one is allowed
Secondhand smoke increases their risk
By Heather Grove, BSN, RN to smoke or vape around your
of:
children.
Secondhand smoke is a combination of
• Dying unexpectedly from
the smoke that comes from the burning • Know that opening windows,
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and using fans, and/or using air fi lters
(SIDS)
the smoke that is breathed out by the does not adequately protect
• Getting sick more oft en with
person smoking. Secondhand smoke others from secondhand smoke.
respiratory problems like
contains over 7,000 chemicals, many • Participate in activities that do
bronchitis and pneumonia
of which are known to cause cancer.
not permit smoking, like going
Secondhand smoke is harmful to adults, • Developing ear infections to the movies.
children, and unborn babies. Th e only
• Having more frequent and severe
way to fully protect nonsmokers from What if I smoke or vape?
asthma attacks
secondhand smoke is to eliminate it If you smoke or vape, the best thing
in all homes, worksites, and public How can I protect myself and my you can do is quit. There are many

places. There is no risk-free level of children? free resources in the community to

secondhand smoke. Even short-term Everyone has the right to breathe fresh, help you. Quitting will benefi t you and
exposure can be harmful. clean air. Maryland does have a Clean everyone around you!
Indoor Air Act that prohibits smoking
Exposure to secondhand smoke can The Maryland Quit Line is a phone-

in indoor public places. This act helps
cause: based program that anyone 13 and
protect Maryland residents from
• Burning of the eyes, nose, and exposure to secondhand smoke where older can call and be connected with
throat they live, work, and play. a quit coach. Nicotine replacement
medications may be available at no cost
• Damage to the heart and blood
To best protect yourself and your to help with the physical part of the
vessels
children, strive for zero exposure to addiction. Call 1-800-QUIT- NOW or
• Increased risk for heart disease secondhand smoke. visit smokingstopshere.com to learn
more.
• Increased risk of having a heart
Also be aware that aerosol from
attack or stroke
e-cigarettes and vapes can contain Another option is meeting with a nurse
in-person at the health department.

The nurse can help you build a quit
plan and provide nicotine replacement

medicines after completing a health
DOT/CDL

screening. This option is available to
anyone that lives or works in Caroline
MEDICAL EXAMS
County. Please note some clients will
Complying with New need to provide a doctor’s note before
Government Requirements medications can be provided by the
nurse. Appointments are available on
FMCSA Certified Physician Wednesday mornings. Please call 410-
479-8080 or 410-829-0848 to learn
Prompt C.E. Jensen, MD
Service Competitive more or schedule an appointment.
Price 410-924-8560
If you smoke or vape and feel this is
Evenings and Saturdays by appointment not a good time for you to try to quit,
34