smoking – Hello Doctor

Stub out smoking before getting hooked

April 17th, 2023 by The Hello Doctor Team

Despite all the health warnings we get about smoking, one in five of us is a smoker. Yet even as new smokers pick up the habit every day, more people are starting to wish they never had.

Did you know that the vast majority of smokers want to quit? When smokers in America were surveyed, almost 70% said they wanted to kick the habit. But simply stopping is not that easy.

Stopping is more difficult than starting

In fact, quitting is one of the most difficult challenges that many of us will ever face in life. This is because smoking has an addictive hold on the user. Cigarettes are designed to rapidly deliver nicotine, the main drug found in tobacco, to your brain – releasing chemicals that make you feel good over and over again. It’s an endless cycle that changes the way your brain works, makes you feel as if you need nicotine to feel okay, and causes withdrawal when you try to stop. Because of the dangers, the World Health Organisation declared World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.

If smoking is so addictive and quitting so difficult, what is the solution? One answer is to make sure more people never become smokers in the first place.

Every day, up to 3,000 teens under the age of 18 try their first cigarette. More than 400 of them will become regular smokers. What’s more, people who start smoking at an early age are more likely to become seriously hooked compared to those who start smoking at a later stage. Simply put, it’s more difficult for younger people to stop once they’ve started.

And with nearly 9 out of 10 smokers picking up the habit before turning 18, the best way to break the cycle is by supporting young people to never start. You can help by encouraging the youngsters in your life, whether your children, siblings or nieces and nephews, to steer clear. Here’s how.

Talk about tobacco with young people

Rather than simply forbidding cigarettes, explain why the habit is damaging and why starting is a bad idea:

Smoking causes smelly hair and clothes, stained teeth and bad breath. All deadly for a teen’s social life!
It affects the lungs and heart, making it difficult to keep up in sport and do favourite activities like dancing full out.
Because smoking is so addictive, it can easily go from one cigarette at a party to a daily habit.
One packet of cigarettes can cost up to R50. Sit together and work out how much that adds up to in a month or a year, then look at all the other things that money could buy.

Help the next generation overcome peer pressure

Encourage them to be confident in their decision not to smoke by reminding them of the benefits of being smoke-free.
Help them prepare strategies for dealing with the pressure to smoke by planning ahead. Together you can practise what to say or do in advance. For example, how to refuse a cigarette by saying “I want to stay in shape for soccer/athletics/dancing” and walking away from the conversation.

Set a positive example

The importance of role modelling when it comes to smoking cannot be overstated. Children are more influenced by what we do than what we say. Research has shown that kids who grow up with parents who smoke are more likely to start smoking themselves.

It’s never too late to quit

What if you’re still a smoker yourself? It’s important to know that it’s never too late to quit if you’ve already started. Our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal and recover from the damage caused by smoking, even if you’ve been doing it for several years.

Quitting can have immediate health benefits, and many of these improve over time. Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure and heart rate begin to return to normal levels. After one year without smoking, your risk of heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker.

There are many resources available to help you quit smoking. Take a look at these local ones:

CANSA’s eKick Butt is an online programme for stopping.
Byegwaai is an app to help you kick the habit.

Yes, smoking is addictive, but with the right help you can stop successfully. And by engaging young people on the drawbacks of tobacco, we can keep an entire generation from becoming smokers.

References

E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING – is it the solution to quit smoking?

April 28th, 2022 by The Hello Doctor Team

Tobacco use remains one of the biggest public health threats, claiming the lives of more than eight million people a year around the world. More than seven million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while just over one million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

Despite wanting to quit, many people who smoke find it difficult to stick with it in the long term. Almost half who try to quit without support will not manage to stop for longer than a week, and fewer than 5% are able to keep it up for one year. Several products and services have become available to assist smokers in finally kicking the habit. The ‘quit smoking’ movement has become a growing industry. This is not surprising since it will take a smoker an average of 30 attempts to quit before they join that 5%!

One product introduced to the market as an alternative to tobacco use, is the electronic or e-cigarette, also known as ‘vape’. These are devices that can vaporise a nicotine solution combined with liquid flavours instead of burning tobacco leaves. Since their emergence in 2004, e-cigarettes have become widely available, and their use has increased exponentially. Despite limited pharmacological testing, e-cigarettes are often marketed as a way to help you quit smoking, and as being a healthier, cheaper and more socially acceptable way to get your ‘fix’.

How do these claims stack up against the science?

The claim: E-cigarettes can help you quit.

What the science says: Maybe, but probably not forever.

There have been several studies done around the world to determine whether smoking an e-cigarette will help you quit smoking altogether. These studies have compared e-cigarettes to other traditional quitting methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy and/or behavioural support. While there is some evidence to show that e-cigarettes may probably help some people stop smoking, these results seem to be for the short term only (around six months). After 12 months, there is no quality evidence to show any association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation. In fact, one study showed an increased risk of relapse amongst smokers who had tried to quit by using e-cigarettes.

In addition, studies from South Africa have found that people who have been able to quit using e-cigarettes are also those who are using other evidence-backed cessation methods at the same time, such as therapy and medication.

The claim: E-cigarettes are healthier.

What the science says: E-cigarette aerosol may contain fewer toxins than conventional cigarettes, but there is no evidence that it’s any safer.

Tobacco products have been around for years, and as such, the impact these have on health is well understood. However, scientific evidence of the effects of e-cigarettes on our health is limited. This is because they haven’t been around for long enough and there are so many different varieties, strengths and options, that identifying the risks is challenging.

Both traditional and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and as such, e-cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional ones. The difference is that traditional cigarettes are regulated, whereas e-cigarettes are not. Since cartridges used in e-cigarettes come in different strengths of nicotine, it’s possible that you may be exposed to higher concentrations of nicotine than standard cigarettes. Even with lower nicotine cartridges, users tend to increase their usage (and puffs) to achieve the same nicotine fix they would from a regular cigarette.

Research has shown that e-cigarettes appear harmful to multiple organ systems, although the current body of evidence is limited, especially in terms of long-term effects. There is likely vaping-induced inflammation, lung disease and a negative impact on conditions such as asthma. There have also been reports of more serious lung injuries, mostly associated with modified or mixed vaping liquids.

Unfortunately, due to the misperception that e-cigarettes are a healthier option, a whole new generation are getting hooked. Of particular concern is the increased use of e cigarettes in young people, especially among those who have never smoked before. Data for 2019 from North America and the United Kingdom show regular use (≥ 20 days in the last 30 days) among 16‐ to 19‐year‐olds to be between 2.7% to 6.7%. These trends appear to be similar for South Africa, and marketers have been taking note. Studies have found that living near a vape shop was closely associated with e-cigarette use. In South Africa, of the approximately 240 vape shops available, about half of these were within a 5 km radius of a higher education institution.

The claim: E-cigarettes are more socially acceptable.

What the science says: To a smoker, maybe, but not to everyone else.

E-cigarettes provide taste and throat sensations similar to smoking a cigarette. The vapour that looks like tobacco smoke is only visible when the user exhales after drawing on the mouthpiece, not when the device is being held, reducing the amount of air pollution. In qualitative studies, users report a sense of shared identity with other users, similar to tobacco smoking identity, and also report pleasure and enjoyment of use. Anecdotally, users report ‘feeling better’, and enjoy having their sense of taste and smell return.

Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke from e-cigarettes are, however still affected by polluted air. Second-hand nicotine vape exposure has been associated with increased risk of respiratory symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults. This is a concern, as parents may be more relaxed about allowing their children to vape, rather than smoke conventional cigarettes.

The claim: E-cigarettes are cheaper.

What the science says: Not quite.

Contrary to claims made by e-cigarette manufacturers, using e-cigarettes is more expensive than conventional cigarettes when comparing daily users of both products over a one-year period. The annual cost associated with daily use was around R6 693 for conventional cigarettes and up to R19 780 for e-cigarettes.

The bottom line

During the last two decades, e-cigarettes have been the subject of a heated debate and polarised responses within the field of tobacco control and prevention. There is no doubt that giving up smoking is the single best decision you can take for your health but switching to e-cigarettes does not offer a safer alternative. Since there is no overwhelming evidence to suggest that switching will make quitting any easier, and no guarantee that e-cigarettes are any healthier, rather save yourself from the financial and potential health complications, by trying more traditional, evidence-based methods to quit smoking.

References

British Medical Journal
Health & Place journal
Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

5 Ways to prevent smoking relapse

May 28th, 2021 by The Hello Doctor Team

The golden rule to remember when you quit any form of addiction, is this: ‘It’s okay to relapse – it is part of learning.’ It’s easy to fall into a shame and self-blame spiral, but the truth is that relapse is part of how you un-learn the habit. So, if that’s you, see your relapse as an opportunity to learn, grow, and get back up on the horse.

That being said, here are some strategies to help you prevent the next relapse and stay smoke-free for life.

Follow a quit-smoking program

It’s hard enough to tame your cravings on your own. A smoking cessation program, like the Allen Carr program, can be a great supportive way to help you stay on track. Instead of grinding your teeth and trying to push through, the program will give you structure, and support.

Quit-smoking Program: [https://www.allencarr.com/about-allen-carrs-easyway/]

Take medication

Don’t let your pride get in the way! Many of us want to avoid taking medicine for depression, anxiety, or to quit smoking because “…I don’t want to use a crutch.”

But sometimes, we do need a crutch while we adjust to a new way of life. So why not speak to your GP about your nicotine replacement options?

Avoid risky situations

When you are next invited to a ‘braai’, don’t just show up without thinking it through. Ask yourself:

‘Will there be smokers?’

‘How will I avoid being tempted?’

‘What support do I need to keep clear?’

‘What kind of situations usually make me more prone to smoking?’

If you prepare for these, your chances of relapse are much less.

Find a distraction

Cravings are normal, and cravings pass. The challenge is to find something to help you push through those cravings.

Some simple ways to keep your mouth, hands and mouth busy, include:

- Chewing gum, a toothpick, or some heathy veggies.
- Doing a breathing / mindfulness practice.
- Counting slowly from 10 to 0.
- Doing exercise.
- Reaching out to a friend.
- Picking up a hobby, like knitting, drawing, or puzzle-building.
- Doing chores.

If you have a menu of things to choose from, you simply pick one and go through the activities until you ride out the craving.

Get support.

If smoking was your way to make connections, and socialise with other smokers at work, it can feel isolating to stop. Why not join a support-group, or reach out to other friends who have already quit, or who also want to quit? Having someone to talk to, can be very helpful – especially when the going gets tough!

Quit Smoking Apps:

Quit Now!

iPhone | Android

Smoke Free:

iPhone | Android

Is Vaping bad for you?

November 23rd, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

As a smoker, you may be tempted to turn to electronic cigarettes, vape pens or hookah and shisha pipes to help you stop cigarette smoking. But is this a better and ‘healthier’ alternative?

Vaping

Just like regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain nicotine. The addition of fruity flavourings can be deceiving as they have no smell, but the nicotine content in some vaping liquids can be even higher than in cigarettes. In addition, they can also contain several unknown chemicals. As of February 2020, there had been 60 deaths and 2,807 confirmed cases of lung injury due to vaping in the U.S. It is believed that vitamin E acetate, which is a chemical additive in vaping products, is what has caused these injuries. Although no such cases have yet been reported in South Africa, the dangers of vaping shouldn’t be overlooked.

The dangers of nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance – experts say, even more so than alcohol. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline. It can also affect the developing brain, making it particularly harmful to teens and young adults.

Because vaping devices don’t indicate how much nicotine is present, it can be higher than in cigarettes. Lack of regulation means manufacturers can put anything into vaping devices. Even some “nicotine-free” e-cigarettes have been found to contain nicotine. Nicotine is also known to cause chronic lung disease and asthma.

The dangers of vaping

Some substances found in e-cigarette vapour have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Vaping during pregnancy could harm a developing foetus.
Teens that vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.
Explosions and burns have been reported with e-cigarettes while recharging the devices, due to defective batteries.
Accidental exposure to liquid from e-cigarettes has caused acute nicotine poisoning in children and adults
Highly addictive.

What you need to know

Vaping is not safe. Some e-cigarette labels don’t disclose that they contain nicotine, and some e-cigarettes marketed as containing 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.

Disease-causing: Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Using nicotine in teenage years can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Every time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections (synapses) are built between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed.

Highly addictive. Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.

It’s not a tool to stop smoking cigarettes. In fact, chances are you’ll end up doing both.

Until we know more, think twice about vaping. It’s not the magic cure for quitting cigarette smoking. Seek professional help if you’re trying to quit smoking and use a proven method to improve your chances of success. If you’re not sure about what help is out there, chat to one of our doctors. They can point you in the right direction, to breathe easy again.

References:

What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason. Over time, this scarring gets worse making it hard to and it becomes hard breathe effectively.

IPF affects approximately three million people worldwide. The disease mostly affects patients over the age of 50 and more men than women.

Risk factors may include:

Smoking.
Lung injury.
History of smoking.
Genetics.
Abnormal acid reflux.
Environmental exposure like working around dust or fumes.
Chronic viral infections.

Symptoms of IPF usually develop gradually and may not be noticed until the disease is well-established.

Symptoms include:

Dry cough.
Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity.
Fatigue.
Weight loss.
Clubbing; a widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers.
Swelling of the legs.

Diagnosis 

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be difficult to diagnose. Many lung diseases can cause breathlessness and cough, and some of these diseases have similar symptoms and X-ray results. You may have to see more than one specialist, including a respirologist, to help with the diagnosis.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your home and work environment, as well as your smoking and medical history.

Although no single test can diagnose IPF, your doctor may recommend a few different tests. A physical exam of your lungs will be done to assess other parts of your body including your heart, joints, fingernails, skin and muscles.

Tests include:

Pulmonary function test (PFT): A PFT, or breathing test, measures how much air you can blow in and out of your lungs and how well your lungs can absorb oxygen.
Six-minute walk test: This helps determine your physical fitness, and the amount of oxygen in your blood at rest and with physical activity.
Chest X-ray: Chest X-rays are images that can screen for interstitial lung disease and can sometimes be useful to help monitor progression.
Blood tests: Your doctor may request several blood tests to help identify other causes of interstitial lung disease.
Computed tomography (CT scan): The radiology images will determine if there’s scarring in your lungs and help identify the subtype of interstitial lung disease.
Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a small flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through your mouth or nose and into your lungs. Some patients with possible IPF undergo this procedure to help identify the presence of infection or to look out for other subtypes of interstitial lung disease.
Surgical lung biopsy: When a patient has an unclear diagnosis, they may undergo a surgical lung biopsy. This test involves small incisions in the side of the chest, and the removal of lung tissue for an examination under a microscope.

Treatment  

Work with your family doctor or pulmonologist (lung specialist) to find the best treatment for you. There’s no cure for IPF and there are currently no procedures or medications to remove the scarring from the lungs. Treatments are used to slow the progression of the lung and manage the other symptoms of the disease.

There are currently two medications approved for use in IPF.

Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic compound approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that slows the progression of IPF. Some patients who take Pirfenidone have side-effects, most commonly stomach upset and skin rashes, particularly with exposure to the sun.

Nintedanib, an anti-scarring (anti-fibrotic) medication that slows the progression of IPF. Some patients taking Nintedanib have side-effects, most commonly including diarrhoea.

Lifestyle changes 

IPF is an irreversible and progressive disease. It will be crucial to learn good coping skills and educate yourself about the disease as much as possible.

Quit smoking. It will help slow down the progression of any lung disease.
Get a flu shot each year.
Ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia shot.
Keep away from people with chest infections and colds.
Wash your hands properly and regularly.
Stay active and fit.

References:

Want to quit smoking? Here are your best options

April 8th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Many smokers decide to go cold turkey when wanting to nip smoking in the bud. Others take it on a day-to-day basis and hope for the best. Fact is, whether you’re an occasional smoker or a 30-a-day smoker, taking that last puff can be difficult. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.

Your options for quitting include:

A diet and beverage change
Positive thinking
Identifying your cigarette cravings
Exercising
Patches, lozenges, gum and nasal sprays

And then, there are alternatives…

Allen Carr method

According to Allen Carr, a British author who specialises in psychological dependencies, there’s a smoking trap, as it’s not a lack of willpower that makes it difficult to stop smoking, but a conflict of will. His method aims to remove this conflict so that the smoker doesn’t have to use any willpower to stop. Once the smoker understands completely how the smoking trap works, by following simple instructions, the physical withdrawal becomes easier to manage.

How does this work?

Carr identified that smokers are aware of how unhealthy, expensive and antisocial their habit is, so what keeps them smoking?

It’s fear, says Carr. It stems from the inability to cope with things like stress, social occasions, concentration, boredom and trauma. All these fears arise out of powerful illusions associated with smoking and nicotine addiction.

He discovered that the actual physical withdrawal from nicotine is slight and is more of a feeling very similar to hunger for food. Smokers recognise it as a feeling of “emptiness” or “something missing.” The real trauma smokers suffer when they try to quit is the mental sense of sacrifice and depression caused by the belief that they’re being deprived of a certain pleasure.

What is the verdict?

The Allen Carr Method works by destroying the psychological addiction to nicotine by educating the smoker about the facts of the smoking trap.

As soon as a smoker understands and believes that they can enjoy life more, concentrate better, feel more relaxed, handle stress better and that cravings will eventually go away; the fear of stopping disappears.

The method also allows the smoker to realise that if they completely understand how nicotine withdrawal works and they follow a few instructions, they will find it easy to manage and may land up enjoying the process.

Resist tobacco cravings

Try nicotine replacement therapy

Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. The options include:

Over-the-counter nicotine patches, lozenges and gum.
Prescription nicotine in a nasal spray or inhaler.
Prescription non-nicotine stop smoking medications.

Avoid triggers

Don’t set yourself up for smoking relapse. Identify your triggers and have a plan to either avoid them completely or to get through them without the need to use tobacco.

Delay

If you feel like you’re going to give in to your tobacco craving, tell yourself that you must wait 10 more minutes first. After that, do something to distract yourself.. When you’re out in public, opt for a smoke-free zone. These tricks may be enough to derail your tobacco craving.

Chew on it

Pop sugar-free gum or sweets. Alternatively, you can snack on raw veggies, nuts or seeds for something crunchy and satisfying.

Don’t give in

Having just one cigarette leads to another and you may end up using tobacco again.

Get physical

Exercising can help distract you from tobacco cravings and reduce their intensity. Go out for a walk or jog. If exercising isn’t your thing, do chores as a form of distraction or pick up a new hobby. Get plenty of rest and focus on eating well.

Practise relaxation techniques

Getting rid of a bad habit can be stressful. Take the edge off with deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, yoga or listening to calming music.

References:

Marijuana: the good, the bad and the ugly

October 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether you’ve tried it yourself, have a friend who does it or just watch others doing it on TV, you probably know a thing or two about marijuana. Also called weed, cannabis, pot, hash or dope, marijuana is no longer considered “taboo” or only something hippies smoke. With its recent legalisation in private homes, marijuana use amongst the public is on the rise.

Your brain on weed

Marijuana plants produce several chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most important of these are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, and cannabidiol or CBD. Once you inhale (or eat) marijuana, these chemicals make their way via the bloodstream to your brain. As soon as they reach your brain, they attach to specific receptors located in different parts of the brain.

You have specific cannabinoid receptors in your brain because believe it or not, your brain actually produces its own set of cannabinoids! Whenever you experience pain, inflammation or stress, your body produces cannabinoid neurotransmitters which attach to these same cannabinoid receptors to help get rid of those unwanted feelings.

The cannabinoids in marijuana look the same as the ones your body produces, so instead of being booted out, they sneak past the brain gatekeepers, latch onto the receptors and start interfering with normal brain function. They throw your usual system out of whack, boosting certain signals and interfering with others. Which is why marijuana’s effects can range from a feeling of relaxation and pain relief to clumsiness, anxiety (or lack thereof), and even the munchies!

THC is the most psychoactive compound, in other words, its this chemical responsible for those well-known feelings of being “high”, chilled out and relaxed. THC also increases the happy hormone dopamine, and so creates a sense of euphoria.

CBD does the opposite to THC. It’s not that it brings you down, but it just doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects. Rather, it has medicinal benefits, such as reducing pain, nausea and muscle spasticity. Its this compound that is of most interest to medical researchers.

Smoke or bake?

The time it takes for you to feel the effects of marijuana will depend on how you take it. When you smoke, marijuana is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately, whereas when you eat it, it can take up to 20 or 30 minutes before you can feel the effect.

The initial effects created by the THC in marijuana wear off after an hour or two, but the chemicals stay in your body for much longer. This can range from about 20 hours to 10 days, depending on the amount and potency of the marijuana you used.

The good, the bad and the ugly

Several studies have identified a number of benefits of using marijuana:

For those without existing mental health conditions (such as bipolar), it has a powerful relaxing effect and offers benefit those suffering anxiety and stress
It can relieve chronic pain and nausea
It may be a safer option to certain painkillers (opioids)

Yet studies have also identified several risks of marijuana use:

If you have an existing mental health problem, marijuana could make symptoms, such as anxiety and paranoia, worse.
If you have an existing heart problem, smoking marijuana could increase your risk of a cardiac event.
Given the impact that marijuana has on awareness and reaction speed, driving after using marijuana carries several risks.
Smoking marijuana is still smoking, so using it during pregnancy, or around children, is a no-no.
Frequent marijuana smokers have a much higher risk of gum disease.

The bottom line

Researchers have only scratched the surface of this powerful plant. It’s getting a lot of buzz for everything from pain relief to its potential to treat certain diseases, but a lot still isn’t known. While there are many positive reports, it’s important to look at things from both sides. Ultimately, if you do choose to partake, as with most things in life… moderation is best!

References

Weed is legal now. Here’s What you need to know

September 19th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Today, the court legalized private use and possession of weed (cannabis / ‘dagga’) for South Africans.

What exactly is legal?

You can now grow cannabis in “a private place”.
You can smoke weed in the privacy of your home.

What is still illegal?

You cannot sell weed to anyone, in any form.
You cannot smoke weed in public.

So, we can smoke as much weed as we want to, as long as we’re at home?

Not quite. This is only the first ruling in the process. In the next 2 years, Parliament needs to sort out the following details:
* They didn’t specify how much you’re allowed to smoke or possess, so it will be up to the Police to decide how much is “too much”. If the police think that you’re selling it on the black market, they are allowed to enforce the law.
* If you’ve previously been arrested for personal cannabis use, you could still have that on your criminal record. (Until the government decides to drop those charges. This has not been decided).

Even though it’s legal now, is weed good for you?

Just because something is legal, doesn’t make it healthy. Although marijuana has several health benefits, there are also some risks. It’s also too early to know just how much risk, and more research is needed.

Here’s what we know so far:

Benefits of Medical Marijuana:

Chronic Pain
Alcoholism and drug addiction
Depression
PTSD
Social anxiety
Epilepsy

Risks of Marijuana:

Possible mental health problems, like suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia.
Lung disease, such as obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Addiction. Although you don’t get chemically addicted to weed, many people struggle to break the habit once they’ve started.

For those of you who don’t smoke weed, we could discourage you from starting. If you’re looking for something to calm you down or cheer you up, there are various healthy alternatives!

References:

Is vaping really better than smoking?

August 9th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Since its inception more than 10 years ago, different models of vape pens are available worldwide, but a question among public health researchers continues to linger: “Do vape devices really help smokers quit, or is it a glorified unhealthy habit?”

According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; it’s a little bit of both.

While vaping may help many to quit conventional cigarettes, the practice itself could encourage young people to start smoking. It’s important to note that vaping has its own health risks, but it’s likely to be far less harmful than conventional cigarettes.

How are E-cigarettes different from cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes produce a nicotine vapour without tobacco. Still, it doesn’t matter if you put smoke or vapour into your lungs – there are serious health implications regardless. Smoking includes the burning of tobacco which contains thousands of chemicals. More than 20 of them are linked to cancer. These chemicals are “carcinogens”. E-cigarettes carry a nicotine-containing liquid, which is heated into a vapour and breathed in. The nicotine satisfies the cravings associated with a smoking addiction.

Vaping and its chemicals

Studies on the vapour produced from vaping suggest there’s a significant difference between the number of carcinogens compared to cigarette smoke.

With over 20 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, compared to only a few in the vapour, any other chemicals are mostly related to the process of flavouring.

There have been another unexpected risk with e-cigarettes, namely that some of their batteries could explode! The main cause is unclear, but reports suggest that overcharging the device and faulty batteries played a big part in the explosions. The Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians estimate that e-cigarettes are around 95% safer than smoking as they don’t have the same level of toxic chemicals as tobacco cigarettes.

How vaping affects your lungs

Researchers have found that vaping can irritate the lungs and lead to bronchitis; chronic wheezing and coughs. The bronchitis may be caused by inhaling pollution (chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and polluted air). When you breathe in the particles regularly, your lungs may respond by triggering a persistent cough. This will result in irritation and inflammation.

Could this be the end of cigarettes?

A study has found that among people who are trying to quit smoking, e-cigarette users are 60% more likely to succeed than those who use over-the-counter nicotine therapies like chewing gum and patches.

Take care of your lungs

Start exercising to improve your circulation and strengthen your muscles.
Eat well. Pack your plate with foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, zinc, potassium, selenium, and magnesium to help keep your respiratory health in good condition.
Drink lots of water. This will help thin the mucus secretions that naturally gather in your lungs. This will allow you to breathe more easily.

References

The main causes of colon cancer

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Cancer truly is “the great equalizer” and it affects people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Cancer colon is no exception, and because it doesn’t usually have symptoms until it’s at a late stage it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous cancers a person can get.
Colon cancer develops over a long period of time, and it can’t be detected unless a person goes for regular colonoscopies. So, if you have a family history of this type of cancer, or your lifestyle contributes to the development of it, then it’s very important that you speak to your doctor about getting regular tests for it.

All cancers are caused when the cells mutate or divide too quickly, and then clump together to form a tumour. In the colon, when cells in the inner lining of the bowels clump together, they can form polyps, although these don’t necessarily develop into colon cancer.
We sat down with Hello Doctor’s Dr. Albert and spoke to him about what increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. He reminded us that as with most cancers, doctors don’t know exactly what causes colon cancer, but it’s thought that a number of high risk factors contribute to it, namely:

1. Genetics

Genetics is perhaps the number one contributing risk factor for the development of colon cancer, and it’s estimated that around 20% of people who are diagnosed with colon cancer have immediate family members or secondary (cousins, aunts, uncles) family member who have or had colon cancer. So, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with this type of cancer, if you have a history of it in your family then it’s very important that you go for regular screenings. The earlier colon cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better. It’s also important to remember that negative diet and lifestyle factors also increase your risk of developing colon cancer, so if you are at risk there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

2. Certain health conditions

Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Although both of these diseases are incurable, there are numerous treatments available to help control symptoms.

3. Diet and lifestyle

The link between diet and lifestyle related diseases has been recognised for some time, and although doctors aren’t exactly certain which foods influence the risk of cancer, they have found carcinogens in charred meat (meat that’s been burned). A carcinogen is any substance that’s directly involved in causing cancer, so for this reason we strongly recommend that you reduce the amount of meat you eat, especially red meat. To help maintain a healthy colon and digestive system, stick to a diet that’s high in fibre and low in saturated fats, as this can help lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Smoking

Smoking isn’t just a risk factor for colon cancer, it’s a major risk factor for all types of cancers and diseases. Whether you’re a chain smoker or “just a social smoker”, the sooner you can kick your smoking habit the better. Smokers have a 25% higher risk of developing cancer than non-smokers!

5. Being overweight

Obesity is also a risk factor for colon cancer, and obese men are 50% more likely to develop colon cancer, compared to men who have a healthy BMI (body mass index.) Overweight women are also at risk, however they have a slightly lower risk than men. A (read: inactive!) sedentary lifestyle is also linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, but the good news is you don’t have to become a fanatical gym bunny to reduce your risk. All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to improve your overall health. Walking, running, swimming, cycling – they’re all great options!

If you’re looking for more information, or have a specific question about colon cancer, then remember you can talk to one of our doctors right now. Simply download the FREE Hello Doctor mobile app, and register for our services.

Our doctors are available 24/7, 365 days a year!

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How much you’ll save without sugar and cigarettes

March 30th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

We all have a guilty pleasure; whether it’s that ice-cold Coca-Cola to go with your meal or that long-awaited puff of a cigarette after a long, stressful day at work. As good as it is in the moment, your temporary high be costing you (and your health).

Sugar
The average South African takes in between 12 and 24 teaspoons of sugar each day. Four to eight teaspoons are from sugar-sweetened beverages. A single 330ml soft drink contains about eight teaspoons of sugar and sells for about R10. If you drink one a day, this adds up to R300 a month.

With the sugar tax around the corner, this number is set to rise. The tax involves an extra charge of 2.29 cents per gram of sugar in soft drinks, sugar-sweetened fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, and sweetened iced teas.

Why pay more just for weight gain, bad health and a lighter purse? Can those soft drinks and enjoy these health perks:

A healthy heart. When you eat too much sugar, the excess forms triglycerides (bad fats in your blood). High triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Kicking sugar to the curb will lower levels of triglycerides, and keep your heart beating.
Low cancer risk. Sugar feeds every cell in your body, including cancer cells. Nixing your sugar habit will lower your risk for cancer and conditions known to increase your risk for cancer, e.g. obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Clearer skin. Sugar is a known inflammatory which can trigger breakouts, and speed up ageing. As you begin to wean yourself off sugar, you will notice suppler and smoother skin.
Less anxiety. Sugary foods can affect your mood, causing anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. It has also been shown to interfere with your body’s ability to cope with stress. Once you ditch the sweet stuff, you’ll feel calmer, less agitated and stressed.
A sharper mind. A diet high in sugar can sap your brain power, and damage communication among your brain cells. Cutting it out will preserve your brain cells and improve your learning and memory.

Smoking
Smoking is an unattractive and expensive habit. A pack of cigarettes can cost you anywhere from R30 to R45. If you smoke one pack a day, smoking can cost you between R800 to R1 300 a month.

Need more motivation? Stub out for:

A glowing complexion.Smoking can leave your skin looking worn-out, and grey. Quitting for good slows down the skin-ageing process, leading to fewer wrinkles and a more youthful appearance.
Whiter, brighter teeth. Nicotine can stain your teeth. Without it, your teeth will have a much better chance of staying white, which will make you look younger and healthier. Your breath will also be fresher and you’ll be less likely to get gum disease or lose your teeth.
More energy. When you stop smoking, your blood circulation improves. This increases the amount of oxygen in your body, and boosts your energy levels. You’ll find that physical activity like walking and running will be much easier.
Less stress. Smoking does not relieve stress. Studies show that smokers are more stressed than non-smokers. When you give up your smokes, your heart and anxiety levels will no longer be artificially raised by nicotine. You’ll also be a lot less worried about your health.
Improved smell and taste. Smoking can dull your senses of smell and taste. Quitting may enhance the smells and tastes of food. You’ll appreciate different flavours and enjoy eating so much more.

One last thing – it’s time to cut the caffeine
Love your cuppa Joe first thing in the morning? Your bank account doesn’t. Takeaway coffee costs about R25. If you indulge in a cup every day, your daily caffeine fix ends up costing you a whopping R750 a month.

Toss out on coffee to save yourself a buck. It can also help you sleep more soundly and feel more refreshed the next day. No more caffeine also means less caffeine withdrawal headaches, anxiety and high blood pressure.

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The 3 killers: Sitting, smoking, sugar

December 15th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

We’ve known that smoking is deadly for a long time, and every year the world moves a little further away from lighting up. When we realised that sugar, when over-consumed can also be dangerous to your health, this caused another major change in how the world eats and drinks. But the latest potential killer on the block is harder to drop and it’s everywhere: sitting. Continue reading “The 3 killers: Sitting, smoking, sugar”