TOBACCO AND HEALTH HAZARDS
Tobacco was first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus in 1492, obtaining it from Native Americans who had been using the plant for religious rituals and offerings to Gods for over 1,000 years. It was claimed to have medicinal value and referred to as a royal herb to treat all sorts of ailments. Thereafter, its use spread all over the world. By the 17th century, it became a cash crop with economic value. Mass production of tobacco products started in the 18th century, and it was heavily promoted as a social culture of elites. Movie stars and models smoked cigarettes and pipes, giving the image of wealth, civilization and grandeur. Fancy ashtrays and spittoons were kept in living rooms. Men retired to the smokeroom after dinner for a Cuban cigar.
Only by 1980 were the health hazards of smoking recognized, and antismoking campaigns initiated. Global efforts to reduce tobacco usage have met with only partial success. Currently, tobacco usage in any form remains the leading cause of preventable deaths. It causes cancers of different types, the most notorious of which is lung cancer. In addition, smoking causes multiple diseases and disorders of the body.
Tobacco has been used in different fashions, the most common of which is smoking. This can be made with cigarettes, pipes, hookahs, beedi, cigars, vaping or e-cigarettes. All involve the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke of burning tobacco. Other methods of tobacco use are chewing, snuffing or placing them under the lips or cheeks. Secondhand smoking by non-smokers is also hazardous.
Active ingredient in tobacco products is nicotine, which is an addictive agent. It gives a temporary sense of relaxation with increased heart rate and stress relief. This becomes a reactive habit as part of daily routines such as drinking coffee, driving, traveling, socializing, meals and use of toilet. Slowly, it becomes a psychological dependence. Withdrawals result in irritability, cravings, anxiety and restlessness.
The negative effects of tobacco use are numerous. In addition to bad breath, smelly clothes and furniture, and staining of mouth, lips, teeth and fingers, nicotine affects almost all organs in the body. In the respiratory system, it causes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and cancers of lung and bronchus. It manifests with symptoms of shortness of breath and cough. In the cardiovascular system, it causes coronary stenosis, heart attacks, hypertension, stroke, gangrene of legs and narrowing of arteries and clot formation in arteries. In the neurological system, it increases the chance of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. It weakens the immune system, resulting in poor wound healing and infections. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are also higher among smokers.
Cancers of every organ from head to toe are higher among smokers. Tucking tobacco under the check and lips leads to oral cancers. Cancers of esophagus, stomach, lung, bronchus, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast, urinary bladder, kidney, uterus and cervix, and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma are higher among smokers. Overall life expectancy is reduced by 10 years among smokers compared to nonsmokers.
The most feared and most common cancer related to smoking is lung cancer. The relationship between smoking and lung cancer is well established. Heavy smokers are recommended to have screening tests for early detection of lung cancers, with hope for better treatment. The current recommendation is to do low dose CT scan (LDCT) once a year for individuals who are between 50 and 80 years old, who have 20-pack year of smoking history or are currently smoking or quit smoking within the last 15 years. If any abnormalities are noted in the LDCT, then additional tests are conducted such as regular CT scan, bronchoscopy, CT guided biopsy or surgery. A pack-year of smoking means one pack cigarette per day for a year.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur upon attempts to quit. Users may experience restlessness, anxiety, irritability and depression. The craving increases with the habit that is entrenched in their lifestyle. They gain weight and develop stress syndrome.
Measures to treat nicotine addiction are somewhat effective. Nicotine replacement therapy with patches, gums and lozenges are tried. Medications of use include varenicline and bupropion. Behavioral therapy and counseling are helpful. For the most part, efforts must come from the individual using willpower. Exercise, meditation, yoga and hobbies are tools to use. The cravings and habits need to be curtailed with alternate substances such as chewing gum or soft drinks.
Habits are often difficult to break due to physical and psychological dependence. Often, motivation comes following a personal healthcare crisis, by which time it is too late. Quitting is often a journey and not a one-day event. It takes determination, small daily victories and support. Hardest part is making that decision and sticking with it by saying “this habit owned me – now I am taking my life back.”
EYE CARE
Seeing Clearly: A Focus on Women’s Eye Health
April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month
By Dr. ARUN GULANI
When we think of health and wellness, our vision may not always come to mind first — but it should. Our eyes are our connection to the world, to the people we love, and to the moments we cherish. And yet, studies show that women are disproportionately affected by eye disease and vision loss. In fact, women make up nearly two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment cases globally.
That’s why April is designated as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month — to raise awareness, empower choices, and encourage proactive care. As an eye surgeon with over three decades of experience with the privilege of treating patients from across the globe, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that early intervention, education and personalized care can have on preserving and restoring vision.
Understanding the Risks Women Face
Why are women more affected? The reasons are both biological and social.
- Hormonal changes: Throughout life stages — from puberty to pregnancy to menopause — fluctuating hormone levels can affect the eyes. These changes can lead to dry eye syndrome, blurred vision or changes in prescription.
- Autoimmune disorders: Women are more likely than men to suffer from autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome — many of which can involve the eyes and lead to chronic discomfort or damage.
- Longer life expectancy: Women generally live longer, and age is a significant risk factor for conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
- Lifestyle and occupational exposure: Increased use of cosmetics, digital screen exposure, and even certain beauty procedures around the eyes can increase risk when safety is overlooked.
- Access to care: Caregiving roles and cultural expectations can sometimes cause women to delay their own health appointments — including eye exams.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Vision
Fortunately, there is a great deal we can do to prevent vision loss and maintain eye health throughout life. Prevention, awareness and consistency are key.
1. Schedule regular eye exams
Annual comprehensive eye exams are crucial — even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts. Many sight-threatening diseases, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, begin with no noticeable symptoms.
2. Share your family history
Inform your eye doctor of any family history of eye disease. Conditions like glaucoma and retinal disorders can be hereditary and should be monitored closely.
3. Be mindful of dry eyes
Women are more prone to dry eye syndrome, especially during pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms include itching, burning or the sensation of something in the eye. Don’t ignore them — modern treatments can offer relief.
4. Protect against UV exposure
Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration over time.
5. Practice makeup and lens hygiene
Always remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed. If you wear contact lenses, follow hygiene instructions meticulously. Never share cosmetics and replace eye products regularly.
6. Nourish your vision
A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, citrus fruits and antioxidants supports healthy eyes. Don’t underestimate the power of nutrition in eye care.
7. Stay alert to changes
Blurry vision, floaters, flashes of light, or loss of side vision can all signal a more serious issue. Don’t wait to see if it passes — schedule an exam promptly.
Empowering Women to Prioritize Their Vision
In my years of caring for patients — from young mothers balancing careers and caregiving, to seniors who’ve quietly adapted to progressive vision loss — I’ve seen how deeply sight impacts quality of life. I’ve also seen how modern eye care can reverse years of compromise, when given the chance.
One of the most powerful things a woman can do for herself, and her family is to prioritize her own vision. Clear sight allows for independence, confidence and safety. It enables everything from driving and reading to recognizing faces and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Please remember as I have mentioned in my previous articles, if you have been diagnosed with cataracts there is no need to wait, if you have had bad outcomes of Lasik or radial keratotomy surgery or told that you're not a candidate due to keratoconus, thin cornea or high astigmatism, you can be helped and you must seek out the best vision corrective surgical option for yourself period