Page 38 - April 2021 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

• If you are a smoker and cannot
• Increased risk for heart disease quit at this time, always go
• Increased risk of having a stroke outside. Make sure to go far away
from doors, windows, and other
• Increased risk for lung cancer
Second Hand Smoke Awareness people while you smoke.
Second Hand Smoke is particularly
The Maryland Quit Line is a phone-

By Heather Grove, RN BSN dangerous to children and babies based program that individuals 13 and
putting them at risk for:
Second hand smoke is a combination of older can call and be connected with a
• Respiratory problems (infections, quit coach to help them kick the habit.
the smoke that comes from the burning
coughing, sneezing, and Nicotine replacement medications
end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and
shortness of breath) may also be available at no cost.
the smoke that is breathed out by the
person smoking. Second hand smoke • Ear infections Please call 1-800-QUIT- NOW or visit
contains over 7,000 chemicals, many smokingstopshere.com to learn more.
• More frequent and severe asthma

of which are known to cause cancer. The health department can also make
attacks
Second hand smoke is harmful to adults, referrals into this program. Please call
children, and unborn babies. Th e only • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Heather at 410-829-0848 to enroll.
way to fully protect nonsmokers from (SIDS) Source: Centers for Disease Control and
second hand smoke is to eliminate it in Prevention (CDC). (2018, January 17). Smoking
How can I protect myself and my
all homes, worksites, and public places. and Tobacco Use: Secondhand Smoke (SHS)
children? Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/
There is no risk-free level of second tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_

hand smoke. Even short-term exposure • Maintain a smoke free home and smoke/general_facts/
can be harmful to your health. car. Opening the windows, using
fans, and/or using air fi lters does
Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act not adequately protect others April is Oral Cancer
prohibits smoking in all indoor public from second hand smoke. Awareness Month!
places, even bars and restaurants. Th is
• Participate in activities that do
act helps protect Maryland residents Submitted by Leigh Marquess, RN
not permit smoking, like going to
from exposure to secondhand smoke Wellness Promotions, CCHD
the movies or swimming.
where they live, work, and play. More than 54,000 men and women in
• Insist that no one is allowed to
Health dangers of being exposed to smoke around your children. the USA will be diagnosed with oral
second hand smoke include: cancer this year according to Th e Oral
• If you are a smoker, try to quit. Cancer Foundation. 10,850 people
• Burning of the eyes, nose, and
There are many resources in the will die of this disease. A regular oral

throat
community to help you. Quitting cancer examination by your oral health

• Damage to the heart and blood will benefit you and everyone professional remains the best method
vessels around you. to detect oral cancer in its early stages.
Be mindful of early symptoms!
EXAMS & CERTIFICATES
• Truck/Bus Drivers Your mouth is one of the body’s most
important early warning systems. It
• Basic Med for Pilots
is important to be aware of the signs
• Coast Guard for Boaters and symptoms listed below and to see
• Pre-Op for Upcoming Surgery a dental professional if they do not

improve or disappear after two weeks:
Board Certified
• A sore or irritation in the mouth
Occupational Medicine
or throat that doesn’t go away
C.E. Jensen, MD • Red or white patches, pain,
Denton, MD 410-924-8560 tenderness or numbness in
mouth or lips
38