Mahaska Health Partnership urges participation in the Great American Smokeout
Mahaska Health Partnership
OSKALOOSA – Mahaska Health Partnership Cardiopulmonary Services encourages smokers to participate in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 18, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
“The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for smokers to have the support of others while proving to themselves they can quit,” MHP Cardiac Rehab Registered Nurse Scott Robison explained. “Who could ask for a better support system than millions of other people quitting on the same day.”
The purpose of the Great American Smokeout is to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to help motivate people to quit. “Smoking is very addictive,” Robison said. “The reason people have a difficult time quitting is because they are addicted to the affect nicotine has on their brain.”
According to National Health Service, nicotine alters the balance of chemicals in the brain, mainly affecting dopamine, linked with the brain’s motivation vs. reward, and norepinephrine, the chemical responsible for the body’s reaction to stressful situations. When nicotine alters these chemicals it affects an individual’s mood and concentration levels.
“When a person inhales nicotine it goes directly to the brain, which is why many smokers become addicted to the nicotine rush,” Robison said. “If a person stops smoking, the loss of nicotine changes the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which can make them feel anxious, depressed and irritable.”
Robison stressed the dangers of all tobacco use, not just smoking. “Many people supplement smoking with smokeless tobacco such as chew. In actuality, the amount of nicotine absorbed from chew is higher than from smoking.
“Hopefully, all tobacco users can make the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 18 the first day they quit. If they do decide to make a commitment to quitting, a smoking cessation program can greatly increase their changes for success,” Robison said.
For more information about smoking cessation assistance offered at Mahaska Health Partnership, call Robison at 641-672-3174.
