THE DANGERS OF ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT

The following article is from the Daily Mail and I'm posting this as its the time of year when people throw caution to the wind and at the first sign of sunshine lie out in it and toast themselves often without sun protection, which is crucial if you happen to have very fair skin. I've written many times about the dangers of UV light on this site follow the link below for more information on the dangers of UV light.

http://www.astridestella.info/2012/06/its-that-time-of-year-again-please-take.html#.U59UhxYwjwI

Teacher, 30, told the mole on his back was nothing to worry about is dying from more than 50 tumours which have now spread to his brain and heart

Series of failures by medics leaves father-of-one with terminal cancer

Father Jordi Akhurst spotted mole on his back in 2007 and went to GP

But hospital dermatologist twice told him there was nothing wrong

After doctor removed it 'as a favour' Mr Akhurst was found to have cancer

Following scans, experts then missed disease when it spread to his heart

He is now on 'last resort' drug and hoping to be given access to trials

Jordi Akhurst, 30, has been left with more than 50 tumours around his body after doctors dismissed his concerns about a mole on his back

A teacher has been left with terminal cancer after doctors refused to remove a suspicious mole from his back for nine months.

Jordi Akhurst, 30, sought medical help after spotting the worrying blemish on his skin - but was repeatedly told there was nothing wrong.

Over the next six months, the spot started to bleed and crack but a dermatologist insisted it was benign.

His GP finally agreed to remove the mole because of Mr Akhurst's worries and sent off samples for routine analysis.

Within days the father-of-one's worst fears were confirmed when hospital staff broke the news that he had skin cancer.

The cancer has since spread to his brain, heart, adrenal glands and lymph nodes, leaving him with more than 50 tumours around his body.

Experts say spotting the disease as early as possible is key to surviving cancer but Mr Akhurst, dad to a five-year-old son, Luca, says experts repeatedly botched his diagnosis.

The maths teacher, from Plymouth, Devon, said: 'I started going to the doctor about a mole on my back in 2007.

'My GP said they don't remove them anymore and I was referred to a dermatologist at Derriford Hospital [in Plymouth] who said there was nothing wrong with it and he would leave it and see how it went.

'Three months later all the original problems were still there. It kept bleeding and it was bleeding so often it wouldn't be long before there was a blood mark on my shirt and I would have to change.

'This was happening every day. I wasn't too worried - it was more annoying than anything else.

'Six months later the dermatologist said it seemed unchanged and it was all fine.'

Mr Akhurst wasn't happy with the diagnosis and went back to his doctor, who once more referred him to a dermatologist.

Mr Akhurst shows the scar left from the removal of the original mole which doctors dismissed

He said: 'I went back to my GP after nine months because I wasn't happy and I wanted it taking off.

'She referred me to the dermatologist again and he was quite insistent he wasn't going to remove it.

'It was black, raised, cracked and bleeding - you don't have to be an expert in skin cancer to know something wasn't right.

'I wasn't panicked at all. I just thought it was a case of getting rid of it.

'I'm 30 and have a terminal illness - it's all very well if you're 70 but I was hoping for another 40 years of life ahead of me.'

Cancer sufferer Jordi Akhurst

'My GP ended up removing it as a favour. They're obliged to send it away for tests and a week later I had a phone call from the hospital in a complete state of panic.

'I went in and was put in a room with a few people who were extremely apologetic, including a specialist cancer nurse and the dermatologist, who I haven't seen since.

'At the time my son was being born so I just wanted anything that needed to happen to happen so I could get on with my life.'

Nine months after his original visit to the GP, Mr Akhurst was finally admitted for surgery on his back.

He said: 'They did the first operation and they weren't happy with the lesions and felt there was more they could have chopped out.

'I had a second and then third operation. They kept having to open up the scar and search for more and more.

'I went from being told there was nothing wrong to having this giant scar. In the following months I went for check ups but I felt they were quite brief and a bit useless.'

A dermatologist at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital said there was nothing wrong with the original mole

After the three operations in 2007 to remove the infected tissue, Mr Akhurst hoped he had beaten the disease, but in January last year he noticed some new lumps.

By the time the results came back on April 15 last year it had reached his adrenal glands, which are at the top of the kidneys and his lymph nodes.

REGIONAL THREAT - SKIN CANCER RISKS IN THE SOUTH WEST

Figures show there are around 10,000 new cases of skin cancer every year and it's the fastest growing cancer for 18 to 30-year-olds.

One in four diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of the disease, do not survive beyond five years.

Mr Akhurst's plight emerged after shock figures revealed that the number of new cases in Devon and Cornwall is double the UK average.

According to a new campaign from Public Health England (PHE) you are twice as likely to fall prey to the disease if you live in the two counties.

But the heath group is urging anyone who spots anything strange on their skin to see their GP.

PHE centre director, Professor Debra Lapthorne, said: 'The campaign message is clear, if you notice any unusual or persistent changes to your skin, you should visit your doctor.'

He was diagnosed as being Stage 4 - which is terminal.

Mr Akhurst was given pneumotherapy, which he said was hailed as a 'wonder drug', but didn't well respond to the treatment.

The Bristol University classics graduate added: 'I was going up to the hospital every three weeks for four months and being put on a drip.

'Even though it didn't work I felt well enough to carry on with my job and my day to day life.

'They left me for two to three months to see how I was and after a scan they found the cancer had spread to my heart.

'Doctors told me it was untreatable and any treatment would leave a hole in my heart. They said the tumour was new and it had grown quickly.

'I had a specialist heart scan and it found the tumour wasn't new - it had been missed on previous scans and was actually treatable.

'Despite all this I was still well, but I became ill in February this year. I was behaving quite strangely and couldn't do simple things like use my phone.

'I found out I had 10 new brain tumours so the disease had progressed quite severely.'

Mr Akhurst is now taking Zelboraf - the last of the licensed drugs he is able to take.

If he doesn't respond after six months he will try to take part in clinical trials to be able to use unlicensed treatments.

He said: 'It is very toxic and doesn't make you feel great. After this six months there is no more treatment. The best case scenario is that by the time I stop responding I would be put on a drug trial.'

Mr Akhurst is now urging anyone who sees something unusual on their skin to see their doctor. 

He added: 'I would be very happy to take part in trials. They said I have between one and five years when I was diagnosed in April last year.

'I'm 30 and have a terminal illness - it's all very well if you're 70 but I was hoping for another 40 years of life ahead of me.

'I didn't realise it would spread to where it has or so aggressively and quickly.

'I was quite resentful to be honest - there's a slight injustice in it. I know people are dying of cancer all over the world but when you're 30 you think you have lots of time left.

'There's nothing I did to contribute to it. I didn't sun worship or get burnt.

'I want people to know that skin cancer exists. I had a mole and I had it removed and I really thought that was as far as it would go.

'I don't want to be an anti-sun bed person and they're not part of my story but if people could think twice about using them and use sun cream - whether it's factor five or 50 - just think about it and use some protection.' 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658914/Teacher-30-told-mole-worry-dying-50-tumours-spread-brain-heart.html#ixzz34pp07suM
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THE SUN AND WRINKLES

Yet another article to reinforce what I have been saying about the connection of aging and UV light.

SKIN CARE THE EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT
The effects of ultra-violet on the skin are a mixed blessing!

Some is beneficial, necessary for the formation of vitamin D, some is harmful. Much of what happens to the skin as a result of ultra-violet light is the result of the skin trying to protect itself and the body inside from the harmful effects of an excess of the rays; the skin is quite effective at preventing the rays penetrating deeply into the body.

The Stratum Corneum is a major factor in this prevention (see diagram below)

Reflection of rays by layers of the Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is maintained at such a thickness that with the ‘usual’ intensity of ultra-violet falling on it, very little passes through and no damage is caused to the live cells beneath. The Stratum Corneum of exposed parts of skin such as the face, neck and hands will be thicker than those parts normally covered by clothing.

However, exposure to higher than normal intensities of ultra-violet will allow sufficient rays to pass through the epidermis possibly to cause damage to the living cells underneath.


Penetration of Ultra-Violet Rays into the Skin

In a skin, which has active melanocytes producing melanin pigment granules, this extra ultra-violet will develop the colour of this melanin, resulting in a Tan.

But not everyone’s skin is in such a state of readiness; their melanocytes may be inactive, as a result damage will be caused to the live cells. The result reddening, discomfort, may be even blisters and peeling i.e. Sunburn.

Regardless, more UVB rays will penetrate to the Stratum Germinativum to stimulate its dividing cells into greater activity, this will produce new epidermal cells at a more rapid rate and this will eventually thicken the Stratum Corneum, thus helping to reflect UV rays.

The general increase in the skin’s metabolism reflects throughout the body in creating ‘a feeling of well-being’.
The physical, physiological and psychological effects of Ultra-Violet

Beneficial effects:
    •    Vitamin D production
    •    Stimulation of Metabolism
    •    Tonic Effect
    •    Has slight Germicidal effect on the skin
    •    Causes hyperkeratinisation (thickening described as above), which is thought to help with some skin conditions such as Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis.

Screening responses against excess:
    •    Suntanning
    •    The irritant effect of sunburn
    •    The thickening effect of the Stratum Corneum

Damaging effects:


    •    Short term – Sunburn
    •    ***Long term – Premature aging, thickens the epidermis giving a ‘leathery’ appearance, irreversibly damages Collagen and Elastin fibres, causes dehydration, can cause allergic reactions, can produce dark pigmentation patches; Skin Cancer.

Vitamin D Production

A normal varied diet including dairy produce will supply all the vitamin D required; however through sunshine the vitamin may be made in the body with the help of ultra-violet.

In the body there are two substances, which can be converted into vitamin D, these precursor substances are 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol. When vitamin D is required these substances are moved to exposed skin where using ultra-violet energy these substances are converted to Vitamin D.

The potential for making vitamin d in the skin is so enormous that merely exposing the face for less than an hour on an overcast December day will make all that is required for the day, the body is able to regulate this however so a days long sunbathing will not cause over production.




Article below from the DAILY MAIL

Blame the sun for your visible wrinkles: UV rays account for 80 per cent of skin ageing

• Exposure to sunlight is to blame for a majority of skin aging
• Research show that the effect of UV rays on skin increases with age

The sun is responsible for the vast majority of visible ageing, according to new research – another reason  to slather on the sun screen all year round.
UV rays accounted for  80 per cent of skin ageing, including wrinkles, in a study of almost 300 women – half sun-worshippers and half  shy of the sun.
The study also found that a two per cent increase in  skin damage ages a face by three years.

Blame it on the sunshine: UV rays are responsible for 80 per cent of your skin's visible ageing

Long-term UV exposure  can also lead to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and a degradation of skin texture, including yellowing.
Various other factors can also change the skin’s appearance and structure, including gravity, the  natural ageing process, pollution, diet, tobacco, illness and stress.
But in the study, reported  in the medical journal Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, researchers wanted to calculate for the first time the effect of sunlight alone.
Dermatologists examined the faces of 298 women, aged 30 to 78, with 12 experts studying photographs of individual faces on a screen.

Cover up: The sun's damage on the skin increases with age

Another panel of  volunteers also viewed the women’s faces and estimated their age.
The results show that the effect of UV exposure increases with age. Significant differences  were seen in wrinkles and skin-texture quality after  the age of 50, with the  sun-seekers looking older than their real age.
The researchers worked out what they call a ‘sun damage percentage’ and calculated that the sun is responsible for 80.3 per cent of skin ageing.
They also found that  women with 80 per cent damage look their age, while those who have 82 per cent damage look about three years older, and those with  78 per cent damage appear three years younger.
The researchers, from L’Oreal Research and Innovation Center, Paris, said: ‘Our study confirms  the accountability of sun exposure in premature ageing of the face.
‘Our comparison between two groups of women, whose sun behaviour was different, has allowed us to clearly demonstrate the effect of  UV exposure.’
However, the researchers added that sagging in older faces is likely to be linked to the long-term effects of gravity.
Dr Richard Warren, senior clinical lecturer and consultant dermatologist at the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It is very hard to distinguish accurately between intrinsic [natural] ageing and extrinsic [environmental] ageing, and this study goes some way to addressing the specific impact of the sun on skin.
‘Effective use of sunscreens will not only limit extrinsic skin ageing but will also reduce skin cancer risk.’

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IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! PLEASE TAKE CARE

It's this time of year again when we go crazy when we see that big golden ball shining in the sky, albeit in my part of the world anyway and being of Celtic origin (I'm lucky not to have typical Celtic colouring) my kinsfolk like to take full advantage of lying in the sun. However the skin in the upper northern hemisphere has evolved such that does not have the same protection as those of who have evolved of living in sunnier climates. As a result it's not unusual here to see copious cases of sunburn. Some sun is beneficial to us and to understand what advantages and disadvantages the sun has you need to know how the largest organ in the body works.

HOW THE SKIN WORKS

The basics so you will understand how the skin works. The skin is comprised of 3 layers, the Epidermis the layer you can see, the Dermis the true skin and the subcutaneous. Cosmetics only work on the Epidermis and you can see how deep it is, if you have ever experienced a blister. A blister is caused when friction causes the Epidermis and the Dermis to separate and the fluid within the blister is lymph. The Epidermis has no nerve endings or blood supply that is why removing the top layer of a blister is not painful, not to be recommended though as it exposes the Dermis which is rich in nerves and a blood supply to infection.

The skin  has several functions to secrete sebum that oily substance on your skin, this is to help keep the skin moisturised by trapping moisture and forming a barrier together with sweat known as the 'Acid Mantle' The Acid Mantle is slightly acidic and acts as a Bacteriastat to inhibit bacteria. The skin secretes sebum via the sebaceous glands within the hair follicles and sweat via theEndocrine glands (there are another type of sweat glands know as Apocrineglands these are found in the axillary and pubic regions unlike Endocrine sweat bacteria act on Apocrine sweat quickly and this causes the characteristic Body Odour, these glands only become active after puberty and have a role to play inpheromones)

Our body temperature is regulated by the skin this is due to the  peripheral circulation either dilating to bring blood to the extremities of the body like the skin causing flushing to help loose some of the heat and also by sweating for as the sweat evaporates heat rises with it. The opposite happens when its cold the body conserves heat to vital organs more important than the skin, giving a more white/bluish appearance and may even induce shivering. At the base of everyhair follicle there is a tiny cilary muscle when its cold and we start to shiver this muscle contracts causing the hair to stand up trapping a layer of air next to the skin, giving the appearance of goosebumps. Within the Dermis there aresensory nerves that detect temperature. We also have an insulatory layer of fat in the subcutaneous. 

Our skin is waterproof so absorbs very little, the only things that can permeate the skin are medications, this includes patches such as Nicotine  and HRT and Essential oils (see Aromatherapy articles on Blog) COSMETICS CAN NOT.Do not believe the hype and sales talk ladies if it could be absorbed by the skin you you have to go to your Doctor for it and it would need to be licensed as a Medicine.

Our Skin is protected by sensory nerves that alert us to pain, pressure, touch, heat and cold, it is waterproof largely impermeable except to the substances above, fairly tough and it with its layer of fat below the dermis in the subcutaneous layer keeps us warm, protects our organs and bones, gives us shape. As fore mentioned the Acid Mantle helps protect from bacteria as bacterial growth is inhibited in its slightly acid environment. Melanocytesspecial little cells in the dermis increase as a result of UV light and give us tanning, the epidermis also thickens to help protect our skin. Also in the skin are mast cells and when they are damaged, they produce histomine, it gives the characteristic itching a weals associated by allergies, its function is to stimulate blood to the skin to repair and maintain it. However with allergies the body is hypersensitive producing this effect.

The skin also excretes some toxins through sweat but this is very very minimal, so do not believe the hype of some sales people who will suggest you have a detoxifying foot bath that will rid you of toxins as it changes the water to a dirty brown colour. Again this is sheer hype and nonsense for if ridding the body of toxins was that easy we wouldn't have a need for Dialysis Machines for those suffering kidney failure. It is the Liver, Kidneys and large Intestine that detoxify us.

Vitamin D is also formed in the skin as a result of the action of UV light acting on 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin, so everything in moderation we do need some sunlight.

SKIN CARE THE EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT

The effects of ultra-violet on the skin are a mixed blessing!

Some is beneficial, necessary for the formation of vitamin D, some is harmful. Much of what happens to the skin as a result of ultra-violet light is the result of the skin trying to protect itself and the body inside from the harmful effects of an excess of the rays; the skin is quite effective at preventing the rays penetrating deeply into the body.

The Stratum Corneum is a major factor in this prevention (see diagram below)

Reflection of rays by layers of the Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is maintained at such a thickness that with the ‘usual’ intensity of ultra-violet falling on it, very little passes through and no damage is caused to the live cells beneath. The Stratum Corneum of exposed parts of skin such as the face, neck and hands will be thicker than those parts normally covered by clothing.

However, exposure to higher than normal intensities of ultra-violet will allow sufficient rays to pass through the epidermis possibly to cause damage to the living cells underneath.

Penetration of Ultra-Violet Rays into the Skin

In a skin, which has active melanocytes producing melanin pigment granules, this extra ultra-violet will develop the colour of this melanin, resulting in a Tan.

But not everyone’s skin is in such a state of readiness; their melanocytes may be inactive, as a result damage will be caused to the live cells. The result reddening, discomfort, may be even blisters and peeling i.e. Sunburn.

Regardless, more UVB rays will penetrate to the Stratum Germinativum to stimulate its dividing cells into greater activity, this will produce new epidermal cells at a more rapid rate and this will eventually thicken the Stratum Corneum, thus helping to reflect UV rays.

The general increase in the skin’s metabolism reflects throughout the body in creating ‘a feeling of well-being’.

The physical, physiological and psychological effects of Ultra-Violet

Beneficial effects:

• Vitamin D production
• Stimulation of Metabolism
• Tonic Effect
• Has slight Germicidal effect on the skin
• Causes hyperkeratinisation (thickening described as above), which is thought to help with some skin conditions such as Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis.

Screening responses against excess:

• Suntanning
• The irritant effect of sunburn
• The thickening effect of the Stratum Corneum

Damaging effects:

• Short term – Sunburn
• ***Long term – Premature aging, thickens the epidermis giving a ‘leathery’ appearance, irreversibly damages Collagen and Elastin fibres, causes dehydration, can cause allergic reactions, can produce dark pigmentation patches; Skin Cancer.

Vitamin D Production

A normal varied diet including dairy produce will supply all the vitamin D required; however through sunshine the vitamin may be made in the body with the help of ultra-violet.

In the body there are two substances, which can be converted into vitamin D, these precursor substances are 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol. When vitamin D is required these substances are moved to exposed skin where using ultra-violet energy these substances are converted to Vitamin D.

The potential for making vitamin d in the skin is so enormous that merely exposing the face for less than an hour on an overcast December day will make all that is required for the day, the body is able to regulate this however so a days long sunbathing will not cause over production.

***How too much sun and UV light damages and ages the skin

So a little is good for us but too much has the opposite, sadly skin cancer is on the increase, we always think it won't happen to us, no matter what colour our skin is we can burn albeit the palest skins burn the easiest.

There are two types of skin cancer, a slower growing type often known as a rodent ulcer (basal cell carcinoma), this tends to be found across the cheek bones and under the eyes and on the nose and can be successfully treated since it is relatively slow growing. However the deadliest type of skin cancer is the malignant melanoma 

Types of malignant melanoma

Skin cancer is broadly classed as either non-melanoma, accounting for about 90 per cent of cases, or melanoma, which is generally faster-growing.

These cancers grow from the layer of melanocytes – cells that produce pigment that protects the body from sun damage – below the surface of the skin.

If not caught early, the cancerous cells can quickly grow deeper into the layers of the skin, and then into the blood vessels and lymph channels (tiny tubes that carry lymph fluid, part of the immune system, around the body).

At this point, melanoma cells may travel to other parts of the body, causing tumours elsewhere, known as metastasis. In the early stages, treatment involves surgery and sometimes radiotherapy. More than 90 per cent of these cases are curable. However, patients whose cancer has spread rarely survive longer than a year.

Symptoms of melanoma include moles growing bigger, having irregular edges, or changing shape. Lesions that bleed, itch, crust over or are pink should also be checked by a specialist, as should moles that have at least two different colours or grow darker.

Use the chart above and if you suspect any changes to you skin don't be afraid to go and see your doctor, it could save your life.

Above all treat the sun with respect and common sense, know your limits for your skin type and don't allow yourself to burn for it's better to be pale and interesting than leathery and deadly

Maggie Brown (Author)

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WHY RISK IT? IT'S NOT JUST YOUR LUNGS

Now I have talked many a time on here what Smoking does to the lungs and the cardiovascular system and talked also about what it does to the appearance of the skin, causing premature ageing, this is due to the fact nicotine has a vaso-constricting effect, it narrows the blood vessels therefore impairing nourishment and oxygen to it. In fact smoking is linked to many cancers and diseases. About 90 per cent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. The habit is also thought to contribute to a wide range of other cancers, including those of the mouth, gullet, pancreas, stomach, bladder and kidney and now we have squamous cell carcinoma a type of skin cancer. A study found that women tended to be younger than men when they developed the disease, despite, on average, smoking much less than men. Findings suggest that women may have an increased susceptibility to tobacco carcinogens.

Squamous cell skin cancer usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arm. It may occur on other areas. The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches. The earliest form appears as a scaly, crusted, and large reddish patch (often larger than 1 inch). A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer.

OK this is very advanced but do you really want to take the risk?

Article from the Daily Mail below.

Women who smoke for 20 years are twice as likely to develop disfiguring form of skin cancer

Women who smoke raise their risk of the skin cancer squamous cell carcinoma

Women who smoke are more likely to suffer from skin cancer, scientists say.
Females are at greater risk than men of being diagnosed with a form of the disease that can spread to other organs.
And women who have smoked for 20 years or more are twice as likely to get the disease.
A team investigated the relationship between smoking and non-melanoma skin cancers - in the outer part of the skin - including squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).
SCC has a substantial risk of spreading from one organ to another. Developing on the face around the ears or lips, it can erode and completely destroy the nose or ear if left untreated. However, this is uncommon in the early stages and most are treated before any spread occurs.
In the study, smoking histories were assessed and compared between patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers, and a group of  patients who didn't have skin cancer or any history of the condition.
The 698 participants were asked about their smoking behaviours in terms of years smoked, how many cigarettes per day they smoked and when those who once smoked quit smoking.
The results showed that the risk increased with numbers of cigarettes per day and total years of smoking although most of the associations were not statistically significant.
However, SCC was found to be two times as likely in women who had smoked for 20 years or more compared to controls.
Lead author Dr Dana Rollison at the Moffitt Cancer Centre in Tampa, Florida, said: 'Highly statistically significant associations were observed with SCC.'

 

More...

• 'Smoking can make your nipples fall off': Plastic surgeon warns of gangrene following breast lift

She said it was not clear why women smokers should be more likely than men to be diagnosed with SCC, but noted women have more active ‘CYP enzyme’ activity in the lung - which metabolises most of the nicotine.
She said: 'Observations from the lung cancer literature may provide possible explanations for why smoking was a higher risk for SCC in women.'
She said women smokers had a higher lung cancer risk than men, which may be because they have more enzyme activity that is associated with breaking down nicotine in the organ.
Women have also been shown to have higher levels of a piece of DNA bonded to a cancer-causing chemical, which could be the start of a cancerous cell, as well as lower levels of DNA repair - where enzymes repair mutations in the DNA - in the lung compared to men, she said.
She added: 'Further study is needed to shed more light on the sex-based differences and the role of smoking in non-melanoma skin cancers.'
The results are published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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SO YOU WANT TO SMOKE!

We know that smoking can wreak havoc on a woman's appearance, (as explained in previous articles on this blog) causing a sallow complexion and premature ageing, and as well as having effects on sexual health contributing to infertility, early menopause, can contribute to osteoporosis.

Smokers lungs, mouth and skin cancers, circulatory disease leading to gangerine

Smoking causes 50 certain diseases cigarettes are a well-known cause of lung cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and other disorders such as skin cancer, mouth cancer, stroke and high blood pressure. It is the myriad of toxins in cigarette smoke, rather than the nicotine content, that is responsible for the majority of the harmful effects. In other words, it is the delivery system, not the addictive drug, which is responsible for the vast majority of tobacco-related diseases. And it is not the nicotine in cigarettes, but the tar that causes the unsightly yellow-brown stains on fingers and teeth. There are more than 4,000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of which are known to cause cancer. In particular it is the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines that are the probable causative agents for lung and other cancers.

It is the adverse nicotine effect in tobacco products that leads to addiction and this which sustains tobacco use. Because most smokers are nicotine-dependent, they continue to expose themselves to toxins from cigarettes. It is the other chemicals in cigarettes, not nicotine, which are responsible for most of the adverse health effects related to smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug. When smoked, it is delivered into the lungs and is rapidly absorbed by the blood, reaching the brain within approximately ten seconds. At this point, smokers experience a nicotine "hit" - causing the brain to produce Dopamines, a neurotransmitter that regulates emotion and feelings of pleasure. The brain soon comes to expect regular doses of nicotine and suffers nicotine withdrawal symptoms when the supply is interrupted. The addictive nature of nicotine is largely due to its dose and rapid delivery to the brain when smoking cigarettes.

Women who carry on smoking in pregnancy endanger not only themselves, but their babies too. Mothers who smoke around their children also put their kids' health at risk. Even before conceiving research shows that cigarette smoking is harmful to a woman's ovaries. It can cause a woman's eggs to be more prone to genetic abnormality and increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Women who smoke take longer to conceive with the chances of conceiving falling by up to 40 per cent per menstrual cycle. The more cigarettes you smoke the longer it takes to become pregnant. Just one cigarette a day can have a significant impact. In men stopping smoking can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction and may improve sexual potency.

RISKS YOU CAN LESSEN IF YOU QUIT SMOKING

 
• Harming ovaries
• genetic abnormalities
• miscarriages
• ectopic pregnancy
• IVF attempts improve increasing the success of fertility treatment.

There is a reduction in the likelihood of the embryo implanting compared to non-smokers, and nearly twice as many IVF attempts may be required to conceive in smokers. Breathing in secondary smoke can cause nearly as much harm as a woman smoking herself.
Like every mum-to-be you want to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. The best way to ensure this is not to smoke and avoid all smoking dangers. Smoking during pregnancy harms you and it harms your baby.

THE SMOKING DANGERS YOU CAN AVOID IF YOU QUIT SMOKING 

 

• Poisonous chemicals in cigarette smoke passing through your body into your baby.
• Cigarette smoke disrupting the flow of blood to your baby.
• Prenatal passive smoking influences placental and fetal development, reduces birth weight, and affects lung and brain development.
• A smaller, weaker baby that will be more prone to infections and illness.An increased risk of breathlessness and wheezing in young babies.
• Increased risk of congenital defects such as cleft lip and/or palate or limb deformities.

Stopping smoking at any stage of pregnancy is very beneficial. The moment you quit you start increasing your chances of a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby. You will have more energy, be able to cope better with pregnancy, and know you are doing the best for your unborn baby. Passive smoking is equally dangerous for your unborn baby. If your family or friends smoke near you, you will breathe in harmful gases and chemicals and pass them onto your baby. Passive smoking becomes more harmful for mothers who exceeds the age of 30. There is more of a risk of sudden death symptoms for new born babies if their parents were smokers. Passive smoking also increases the possibility of having respiratory diseases for children before the school age; it also increases the possibility of having heart diseases that reaches the rate of 50%, hence, increase the risk of Angina due to the increase damage of the cells in the heart muscle because of carbon monoxide and nicotine. Studies have shown that certain parts of the chromosomes were more affected by the tobacco, which lead to blood cancer (leukaemia). This may explains the relationship between smoking during pregnancy and leukaemia in children. Children growing up in a smoke free home are less likely to catch colds, coughs and bugs. And you will reduce the risk of serious problems like cot death, asthma, chest infections, and glue ear and you and your partner will feel healthier, should have fewer coughs and colds, and have more energy to run around and play with your children.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU QUIT?

 
20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal
8 hours: Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal.
24 hours: Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours: There is no nicotine left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking and running a whole lot easier.
3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems get better as your lung function is increased by up to 10%.
5 years: Heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to same as someone who has never smoked.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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