End addictive cycle, boost out of poverty, 'identity' issue

Help is available to end addictive cycle

I have been in health care, specifically heart health, for 20 years. Despite advancements in medicine and extensive research, heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States.

You know what else hasn’t changed? Smokers. Tobacco and nicotine products are still the No. 1 contributing factor to nearly every preventable deadly disease. Advancements in care and treatments continue, but we are still burdened with perpetual education of the smoking population and their families.

This problem isn’t limited to heart teams. Stroke, cancer, asthma, pediatric, dental, allergy and even veterinary teams are affected.

When asked “Why do you smoke?,” adults and even youth generally respond with “to relieve stress and anxiety.”