Wednesday, February 12, 2014

CVS and Tobacco Products



CVS Caremark recently announced a decision to stop selling all tobacco products.  This is a bold decision by the company.  Tobacco usage still remains a major health concern for the US.  Tobacco affects the body, including the skin, in many deleterious ways.  Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 443,000 deaths every year, and lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in men and women.  Smoking also affects most organ systems, resulting in multiple types of cancers and heart disease.  Smoking also negatively alters the skin, resulting in premature wrinkling and decreased wound healing.  With all of this evidence, the rate of decline in smoking has still stagnated over the last decade.  CVS has vowed to increase smoking cessation programs.  If you smoke or know someone who smokes, it is never too late to quit.  Your primary care provider can discuss the many modalities available to aid in the quitting process.  

 

No comments:

Post a Comment