health Make the Heart Connection BY: BRITNEY DUNCAN EVANS, MPH Health Educator, Queens Quits! As we say goodbye to February, we remember that it is the time of year that most major health organizations and non-profi ts focus on heart disease in the US. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans today so it seems only right that a month should be dedicated to heart disease awareness and prevention efforts. But is it enough? As a nation, we should probably argue, “No.” What is more shocking is that most Americans do not realize that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the US, including heart disease. According to the CDC, smoking and use of tobacco products, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases; all of which are leading causes of death and disability in this Need To See A Doctor Can’t Wait? WE TREAT MOST COMMON MEDICAL CONDITIONS INCLUDING: Orthopedic Injuries · Sprains & Fractures · Suturing Wounds, Burns & Cuts · On-Site Digital X-Rays FIRST+MED – GLENDALE 82-17 Woodhaven Blvd. Glendale, NY 11385 718-805-9581 Mon.-Fri.: 9am-7pm Sat. & Sun.: 9am-3pm WE SPECIALIZE IN BEING OPEN Winner 2013 WE NOW ACCEPT ALL BC/BS PLANS. OTHER INSURANCES INCLUDE: GHI, GHI ACCESS, AETNA, CIGNA, HIP, VYTRA, MEDICARE, EMBLEM HEALTH, HEALTHNET GUARDIAN, MAGNICARE, POSTAL, W/C, NO FAULT UNITED HEALTH CARE, EXCEPT COMMUNITY AND ALL OXFORD, EXCEPT MOSAIC Best Urgent Care FIRST+MED – BAYSIDE 191-20 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11358 718-224-8855 Mon.-Fri.: 8am-9pm Sat. & Sun.: 8am-7pm FIRST+MED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE MEMBER URGENT CARE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA country. And, in 2006 the NYS Department of Health reported, an estimated 25,000 residents died as a consequence of cigarette use, resulting in an average 14 years of life lost, and 570,000 residents suffered from serious debilitating disease. Tobacco does not have to defi ne someone’s life—or death. When someone makes the decision to quit, there are immediate positive effects on their health. According to the American Cancer Society, 20 minutes after quitting an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure drops. After 12 hours after quitting, the carbon monoxide level within the body normalizes. Within 2 to 3 months circulation and lung function increases. And, within a year of a quit attempt the excess risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half. Don’t let tobacco use increase your risk of heart disease. It is never too late to decide to quit and turn your health around. Smokers in New York State can take advantage of the resources of the NYS Quitline--such as free supply of nicotine patches and unlimited counseling. The toll-free Quitline number is (866) NY QUITS ((866)697-8487) or dial 3-1-1. More information is available on the Quitline web site at www.nysmokefree. com. Counseling and other services are offered in multiple languages and support is available 24 hours a day. Queens Quits works with medical providers at Queens Hospital Center to promote tobacco prevention and cessation among patients. Queens Hospital Center is a member of the New York City Health and Hospital’s Corporation and a leading acute care facility in the borough of Queens. The hospital’s smoking cessation program is free of charge and is designed to help people stop smoking by providing supportive counseling sessions and useful tools such as nicotine patches or gum. For further information call 718.883.4208.
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