Quitting smoking is the most important thing a person can do to improve their health. It is well known that smoking increases the likelihood of a person getting an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis or Crohn’s disease.
In addition, smoking causes these conditions to advance at a greater rate and reduces the full potential benefit that our most advanced and successful treatments can offer. Smoking also increases the risk of heart and lung disease both of which are risks already found with chronic inflammatory conditions. Regardless of how long you have smoked, quitting offers benefits to your health.
Another important point to consider is the risks of smoking at the time of a surgical procedure. Research has shown that when a person quits smoking 6 to 8 weeks before surgery, they reduce the risk of wound complications by 83% and breathing problems by 21% over those who continue to smoke. The pharmacists at Charlton Health are trained in smoking cessation and happy to support you in quitting.
Let us help you make 2017 the year you quit smoking for good!
Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases,pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.