According to new studies, nonsmokers who are around secondhand cigarette smoke, have much more of a risk of getting chronic kidney disease (CKD). This research included thousands of never-smokers with normal kidney function. There were three groups based on how often they were exposed to secondhand smoke exposure.
CKD developed in 319 participants over a mean follow-up period of 104 months. Secondhand smoke definitely increases the risk of CKD. Smoke inflames the lungs and can affect circulation and the kidneys and nicotine may cause apoptosis of podocytes. Quitting smoking happens to still be the most important lifestyle change that anyone can make in order to reduce the risk of lung disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease and live longer.
And even though during the last few decades there have been so many public health campaigns to stop smoking, it is estimated that millions of high school students smoke cigarettes and about one in every seven is exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoking also increases the chances of chronic kidney disease in adults. Secondhand smoking affects people where cotinine (a part of nicotine) is found in their blood and at least one in every 7 adolescents is exposed to secondhand smoke.
It has been found that smoking is associated with lower kidney function and large amounts of protein in urine. And children exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher chance for asthma and reduced lung function.
Therefore smokers should try everything possible to quit smoking as they will not only benefit themselves but also the children around them.
10 Steps to Successfully Make a Plan to Quit Smoking:
1. Set a quit date
Some smokers prefer to dive right in and just start quitting but setting a date to quit smoking can work
much better. Try not to pick a date around the holidays or during a very stressful time.
2. Identify triggers and track cigarettes
Much like when you exercise or go on a diet you track your activity, “triggers” are the things that cue you to smoke. Some triggers are having a cup of coffee, driving, going out drinking or stress.
3. Beat your triggers
Now that you’ve identified your triggers, you can plan for how you’ll avoid or overcome them. If you like to smoke while you drive try keeping sunflower seeds in the car or start singing out loud instead. Just think of anything to do instead of smoking. Also you can switch from coffee to tea if drinking coffee makes you want to smoke.
4. Get smart about your smoking addiction
Smoking is more than just a “bad habit.” It’s a physical addiction. You can learn more by watching videos on BecomeAnEx.org.
5. Choose a quit smoking aid
You can choose from a variety of aids such as gum, the patch, inhaler or meds like Chantix and Zyban.
6. Tell someone, anyone
It can help to tell a friend or relative that you’re trying to quit or you can connect with others who know how it is to quit. They can relate to you getting anxious and irritable and can help you along.
7. Out with the old and in with the new
Throw away everything that has to do with smoking. Ashtrays, lighters etc. Wash all your sheets and clothes so everything smells fresh instead of like smoke.
8. Get ready, get set
If you are using meds be sure to have enough. And if to cope with cravings chew on carrots, toothpicks or sugarless gum. Also make a list of “reasons” you want to quit smoking.
9. Get Up And Go
Every morning just get up and decide you will not smoke again. It is one day at a time.
10. If you need to, pick yourself back up
Quitting is not easy so if you happen to smoke after your quit day, just start all over again.
