Smoking and Your Health
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How serious a health problem is smoking?
According to the National Institutes of Health:
- Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the U.S.
- Smoking is responsible for one out of every five deaths in the U.S.
What health problems are related to smoking?
According to the World Health Organization, smokers have a higher risk for:
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Lung disease
- Mouth cancer
- Heart disease
- Pancreas cancer
- High blood pressure
- Cervical cancer
- Stroke
- Pregnancy complications
- Kidney cancer
- Early menopause
Can smoking affect my kidneys?
Yes, for the following reasons:
- Smoking can affect medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease.
- Smoking slows the blood flow to important organs like the kidneys and can make kidney disease worse.
Is smoking a problem for people with high blood pressure?
Yes. People with high blood pressure should not smoke because:
- Smoking can affect some of the medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
- Smoking increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks in people with high blood pressure.
Is smoking a problem for people with diabetes?
Yes. People with diabetes should not smoke because:
- Smoking slows blood flow to important organs and can worsen heart, blood vessel and kidney problems.
- Smoking slows blood flow to your feet, making sores and infections harder to heal.
I don't smoke, but my family members do. Can this affect me?
Yes. Studies show that non-smokers who live with smokers have an increased risk of developing the health problems listed above.
How can I quit smoking?
- Quitting smoking can be difficult.
- Many programs are available to help smokers quit. Contact organizations like the American Cancer Society for information.
- Your doctor can also offer suggestions to help you quit.
For More Information:
- Speak to your doctor
- Call NKF Cares toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273)
- Contact other organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.