don't do stupid things!

I do not mean to be insensitive when I use the word stupid, and I hope that you are not offended but some behaviors pose such a high risk to good health that I think it applies. The other possibility is that those who engage in these behaviors lack the knowledge that their behavior poses risk or they just don’t care. I suppose that those who fit in the latter category will not be reading this post. For those who are simply not aware, I hope this information helps individuals make wiser decisions and grow and apologies for use of the term.

Illicit drug use poses significant risks to an individual's physical and mental health. The consequences can be severe and far-reaching, affecting not only the user’s healthspan but also their families and communities.

Physical Health Consequences

Many illicit drugs are highly addictive, leading to physical and psychological dependence. This can result in a compulsive need to seek and use the drug, often at the expense of one's health and financial stability. Illicit drugs carry the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Overdoses can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or other life-threatening complications. Sharing needles for injecting drugs can lead to the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Additionally, risky sexual behaviors associated with drug use can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

Stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular events. Smoking illicit drugs, like crack cocaine or meth, can damage the respiratory system, leading to chronic cough, lung infections, and breathing difficulties. Certain drugs, such as heroin, can harm the liver because of the risk for hepatitis.

Mental Health Consequences

Illicit drug use can exacerbate or trigger mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. They may also induce psychosis, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and impaired thinking. Prolonged drug use can lead to cognitive deficits, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. The combination of substance abuse and mental health issues can elevate the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Social and Economic Impact

Drug addiction often strains personal relationships, leading to estrangement from family and friends. This can affect your physical health and healthspan. Maintaining a drug addiction can result in job loss, financial instability, and homelessness and can lead to criminal activities and incarceration, further compounding health and social issues.

So when it comes to drugs, just say no!

Why people smoke has always baffled me. I understand that at one time, the consequences of smoking were not known, and it was part of our culture. My dad received cigarettes as part of his rations in World War II and smoked for a long time after that. Movie stars from the 30s and 40s always seemed to have a cigarette in their mouths. Knowing what we know today though, no one should smoke. Here are some of the reasons why people smoke today.

Many people turn to smoking as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. The act of smoking may provide a temporary sense of relaxation or relief from emotional discomfort. Nicotine has a short lived and immediate sense of relaxation or feeling of pleasure and contentment. Social influences play a pivotal role in both starting and continuing smoking. Peer pressure, the desire to fit in with a particular group, or the influence of family members or friends who smoke can all contribute to the initiation and maintenance of this habit.

Historically, tobacco companies have employed advertising and marketing strategies to glamorize smoking, influencing perceptions of it as a desirable or rebellious behavior, particularly among young people. Some individuals perceive smoking as a way to control their weight, as nicotine can suppress appetite and increase metabolism. However, it's essential to note that the health risks of smoking far outweigh any potential weight management benefits. Genetic predisposition can also play a role in a person's susceptibility to nicotine addiction. Growing up in an environment where smoking is common can increase the likelihood of picking up the habit.

One of the most significant drivers of continuing to smoke is nicotine addiction. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Over time, individuals develop both a physical and psychological dependence on nicotine, making it challenging to quit. Smoking can also become a habit or ritual that individuals engage in automatically or as part of their daily routine, such as after meals or during breaks.

The immediate gratification that comes from smoking is not worth the long-term consequences of smoking. These include the following:

Lung Disease

Smoking is a leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions result in chronic cough, shortness of breath, and reduced lung function. It can lead to infections such as pneumonia, dependence on oxygen and the need for a lung transplant. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of cases. It is a highly lethal form of cancer with a low survival rate. Besides lung cancer, smoking is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and cervix. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and trigger the growth of cancerous cells.

Heart Disease

Smoking contributes to the development of heart disease by increasing the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It can also raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Other Negative Aspects of Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. It can also lead to developmental issues in the child. Smoking contributes to tooth decay, gum disease, and can lead to tooth loss. It can also cause bad breath and stained teeth.

Smoking can also affect those around you through exposure to secondhand smoke and is harmful particularly to children and non-smoking adults. It can lead to respiratory illnesses, sudden infant death syndrome, and other health issues.

Stopping

If you currently smoke, stopping will immediately improve your health and healthspan and reduce your future risk of COPD and lung cancer. In fact according to the CDC:

After cessation, the risk of developing cancer (compared to continued smoking) drops over time:

• 5 to 10 years after quitting: added risk of cancers of the larynx, oral cavity, and pharynx drops by half.
• 10 years after quitting: risk of cancers of the bladder, esophagus, and kidney decreases.
• 10 to 15 years after quitting: added risk of lung cancer drops by half.
• 20 years after quitting: risk of cancers of the larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, and pancreas drops to close to that of someone who does not smoke.
• 20 years after quitting: added risk of cervical cancer drops by about half.

Stopping smoking is challenging and you may need the help of medications, hypnosis or acupuncture to do so but most important is a commitment to healthy living.

Alcohol consumption, when done in moderation, may not always lead to negative consequences. However, excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption can have serious detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.  At one time, it was felt that low to moderate intake of alcohol actually resulted in better health outcomes but more recently, studies have shown this not to be the case. In a recent article from the American College of Cardiology by Bisognano, the conclusion was “clinicians should no longer suggest that a little alcohol intake may be a beneficial thing for their patients and instead indicate that, at certain levels, it may be detrimental.” And if we drink just small amounts of alcohol there should be “no expectation of a specific health benefit”.

One of the most apparent and immediate consequences of heavy drinking is impaired judgment and coordination. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatal accidents, such as drunk driving incidents. Alcohol also impairs cognitive functions, which can result in poor decision-making and risky behavior.

Physiologically, alcohol abuse can damage various organs, including the liver, pancreas, and brain. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to conditions like liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of various cancers. Additionally, alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems, despite the potential cardiovascular benefits of moderate consumption. I have had patients cure their hypertension by eliminating alcohol consumption.

From a mental health perspective, overuse of alcohol can exacerbate or lead to conditions like depression and anxiety. It can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact overall emotional well-being. Moreover, alcohol dependence and addiction can be emotionally devastating for individuals and their loved ones.

The social consequences of excessive alcohol consumption cannot be overlooked either. It can strain relationships, lead to job loss, and result in financial difficulties. The impact of alcohol on family dynamics can be profound, causing emotional turmoil for those close to the person struggling with alcohol abuse. 

I observe some form of reckless driving almost every time I am on the road. This includes speeding, aggressive maneuvers, running red lights, driving under the influence which are all behaviors that can lead to devastating crashes. I am confident that those that drive this way will get to their destinations only a minute or so faster than if they drove safely. The few minutes saved are just not worth the potential for injury and liability. 

Not wearing a seatbelt when in a car fits into this category. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. If you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag. Such force could injure or even kill you.”

Buckle up!

Always wear a helmet with biking, motorcycling, skiing, using a skateboard or scooter. The head is a relatively heavy part of your body and no matter how strong you are, you will not be able to overcome the force driving your head to the ground in a fall. In a meta-analysis by Attewell, et al, using a helmet when biking resulted in at least a 45% reduction of head injury, 33% for brain injury, 27% for facial injury and 29% for fatal injury. Significant benefits have also been reported for the other activities mentioned so be sure to strap one on!