Hardly anyone picks up a cigarette for the first time and intends to smoke forever. In reality, most people think they can quit whenever they want to. But any former hardcore smoker will tell you there’s truth in the adage that cigarettes are as addictive as heroin.
According to Grove City Medical Center’s recent Community Health Needs Assessment, 23% of Mercer County adults age 18 and older are smokers, which is 9% higher than the national benchmark of 14%.
“That’s an alarmingly high number,” says Kimberly Hunchuk, certified tobacco treatment specialist for GCMC.
Hunchuk, who received her training through the Mayo Clinic, says the significantly high number of smokers in this area might be linked to socioeconomic factors.
A National Institutes of Health study showed that communities shape opportunities to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. While low-income neighborhoods have more than their share of places to buy cigarettes, they have less than their share of large grocery stores with a wide selection of fresh, healthy food.
Accordingly, the Community Health Needs Assessment scored Mercer County high in people receiving public assistance and low in grocery-store access.
Those who smoke are at risk for developing lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis—all of which are debilitating diseases that can lead to premature death.
Lung cancer is by far the most dangerous of all, with smoking linked to about 90 percent of all cases. Lung cancer causes no noticeable symptoms in its earliest states, when it’s most curable, and more than 75% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages.
Early detection can increase survival rates by 20%, and GCMC provides the best tool for surviving: a lifesaving, low-dose CT scan. The scan takes about 10 minutes to perform, and Medicare and most insurance plans cover the cost. The low dose of radiation used in the scan makes it safe to be repeated annually for those who meet the criteria:
For smokers considering quitting, GCMC provides group or individual counseling and online assistance and support. The average smoker might make five to seven attempts to quit before they kick the habit for good. And those who use a combination of support options increase their chance of success.
Studies also show that working with a tobacco-treatment specialist doubles your chances of quitting for good.
“Smokers share certain traits, but each one is also unique,” Hunchuk says. “Offering a variety of support is important, because what works for one person might not work for another.”
