Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, including heart attacks. It is, therefore, no surprise that the CDC reported this week that hospitalizations for heart attacks in Pueblo, Colorado have sustained a 3-year decrease after the city implemented a law making public and work places smoke-free. Multiple studies have shown similar rapid and dramatic decreases within one year after the implementation of smoke-free laws. However, this was the first study to show that the benefits continue years after the initial drop.
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Tags: CDC, colorado, heart attack, smoke-free, smoking
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I would like to share my opinion about heart attacks, heart disease, etc… I am in school right now taking an EKG class and I did not know the seriousness of smoking and heart disease. I smoke and have been trying to quit for a long time now. I found this article very interesting and will now stop, even though I will have the urges; I must stop so that I can and will live a long and healthy life.
January 4th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Angie – way to go! I’m very excited to hear that the article has caused you to make a positive change in your life. The best time to quit is when you feel empowered to quit Quitting smoking is difficult – and for many people it may take more than one try, so don’t get frustrated with the process. I would suggest checking in with your doctor in the process because often times insurance companies will cover the cost of medications (patches, gums, etc). Good luck and thanks for sharing your story.