Tag Archives: health

What are the physical health consequences of tobacco use?

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Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States, contributing to an estimated 480,000 deaths annually. Smokers aged 60 and older face a twofold increase in mortality compared to nonsmokers, dying approximately six years earlier. While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, tobacco smoke contains at least 69 cancer-causing chemicals, making smoking responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. Overall cancer death rates are twice as high among smokers as nonsmokers, with heavy smokers having a fourfold greater risk. Quitting smoking yields immediate health benefits, and depending on the age of cessation, some or all of the reduced life expectancy can be regained.

Key Factors:

  1. Cancer Risks:
    • Lung cancer: Smoking is linked to 80–90% of cases and 80% of deaths.
    • Other cancers: Mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, acute myeloid leukemia.
    • Smokeless tobacco: Associated with cancers of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer.
  2. Lung Diseases:
    • Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
    • Worsened asthma symptoms in adults and children.
    • Leading risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is irreversible once developed.
  3. Heart Disease:
    • Increases risk of stroke, heart attack, vascular disease, and aneurysm.
    • Responsible for 40% of smoking-related deaths.
    • Causes coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
  4. Other Health Conditions:
    • Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, impaired immune function.
    • Reduced health-related quality of life in young smokers aged 26–41.
    • Potential link to Type 2 Diabetes through pathways between the pancreas and brain.
  5. Benefits of Quitting:
    • Lung damage repair over time (except in COPD).
    • Improved overall health and reduced risk of smoking-related diseases.



The devastating impact of smoking on nearly every aspect of health—causing cancers, lung diseases, heart conditions, and a host of other ailments—underscores the urgent need to quit. While the damage caused by smoking is significant, the good news is that quitting can lead to remarkable health benefits, including the repair of lung damage, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of life-threatening diseases. Whether you’re a long-term smoker or have recently started, it’s never too late to take the first step toward a healthier future. Seek support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or smoking cessation programs to embark on this life-changing journey. Quitting smoking not only adds years to your life but also greatly improves the quality of those years—an investment in your well-being and the peace of mind of those who care about you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/what-are-physical-health-consequences-tobacco-use

10 Sneaky Signs Stress Is Showing Up in Your Body

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You’re probably familiar with the word stress, but you might not have heard of overstress. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines stress as the physical and emotional reactions to challenges or stressors. This can manifest as physical symptoms like a racing heart or emotional responses like irritability (more on that shortly). Stress is an unavoidable part of life—it’s simply part of being human. The real issue arises when stress crosses the line into overstress. Though less commonly discussed, overstress is essentially chronic stress. The APA describes chronic stress as the ongoing physical and emotional toll caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations.

” Stress v. Overstress

Think of it like this: cramming for finals is stressful. But it only happens a couple of times a year. However, working a high-pressure job with constant quick and intense deadlines can lead to chronic stress. You’re having prolonged exposure to stressful events, which can leave you feeling overstressed.” – Verywell Mind

What Causes Overstress?

Stressful Circumstances

  • Chronic illness
  • Job loss
  • Spousal conflict
  • Mental health challenges
  • Family difficulties

Uncertainty and Unpredictability

  • Adding layers of stress to everyday challenges.

Sustained Stress

  • Persistently pushing through stressful events or situations over an extended period.

Understanding the factors that lead to overstress can help you recognize when your stress levels are becoming unmanageable. If you’re navigating ongoing challenges like health issues, relationship conflicts, or prolonged uncertainty, it’s important to acknowledge the toll they may take. Remember, you don’t have to face it alone—seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or trusted professional can make a world of difference. Taking steps to address your well-being is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and self-care.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-overstress-8738715

Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)

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Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States. As of 2021, approximately 28.3 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, with over 16 million living with at least one smoking-related disease. Additionally, 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads national efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths and chronic diseases. Through partnerships and tobacco control initiatives, the CDC focuses on:

  • Preventing youth from starting tobacco use.
  • Promoting smoke-free environments.
  • Expanding programs to support quitting tobacco.
  • Addressing tobacco-related health disparities across diverse populations.



The Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) leads strategic public health efforts to end commercial tobacco use and exposure, striving to provide equitable opportunities for all communities to live free from the disease, disability, death, and social and economic impacts caused by tobacco products. Guided by a vision of a world free from commercial tobacco-related harm, OSH focuses on preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults, promoting quitting, eliminating secondhand smoke exposure, and advancing health equity by addressing tobacco-related disparities. In collaboration with local, state, national, and international partners, OSH expands the science of effective tobacco control, builds sustainable infrastructure for comprehensive programs, communicates timely information to stakeholders, and coordinates policies and strategic initiatives, while fostering global tobacco control through surveillance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

Key Activities
The CDC collaborates with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public to combat the tobacco epidemic by:

  • Supporting tobacco cessation and quitline services in 50 states, 2 territories, and Washington, D.C., and maintaining the national network of tobacco cessation quitlines.
  • Educating the public about the harms of tobacco use, including through paid media campaigns like Tips From Former Smokers.
  • Conducting and coordinating surveillance, laboratory, and evaluation activities related to tobacco use and its effect on health.
  • Reducing tobacco-related health disparities through 8 national networks working to reduce tobacco use among specific populations.
  • Supporting health systems to improve cessation insurance coverage, remove barriers to evidence-based cessation treatments, and promote use of covered treatments.

Through collaborative efforts with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public, the CDC remains steadfast in its mission to end the tobacco epidemic. By advancing science, building sustainable infrastructure, implementing effective policies, and addressing health disparities, the CDC is paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free future. Together, these actions are critical to protecting lives, promoting health equity, and creating communities free from the devastating impacts of commercial tobacco use and exposure.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/programs/index.html

Marijuana and Lung Health

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Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug, with its health effects largely determined by how it’s consumed. It can be smoked using pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, and vaporizers or consumed through products like e-cigarettes, candy, brownies, beverages, and capsules. While this discussion centers on marijuana and lung health, it’s crucial to recognize other health concerns, such as neurological and cognitive effects, as well as public health issues like accidental pediatric poisonings from edible marijuana products. Smoke from marijuana combustion contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, posing potential harm to lung health. Although marijuana smoke is less carcinogenic than tobacco smoke, its toxins may still pose risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke.

Key Facts on Lung Health and Marijuana Smoke

  1. Impact on Lung Health: Smoking marijuana damages the lungs, causing chronic bronchitis, injuring airway cell linings, and leading to chronic cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and acute bronchitis.
  2. Air Pocket and Air Bubble Risks: Heavy marijuana smoking has been linked to air pockets between the lungs and chest wall, as well as large air bubbles in the lungs, especially among young to middle-aged adults.
  3. Immune System Effects: Smoking marijuana suppresses the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and potentially increasing the risk of lower respiratory tract infections.
  4. Defense Mechanisms: It reduces the lungs’ ability to defend against infections by killing cells that remove dust and germs and increasing mucus production.
  5. Radiographic Findings: Marijuana-only smokers exhibit greater airway thickening, inflammation, and emphysema compared to both nonsmokers and tobacco-only smokers.
  6. Opportunistic Infections: Marijuana smoking may heighten the risk of opportunistic infections and transmission of viral infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.
  7. Aspergillus Mold Exposure: Marijuana can harbor Aspergillus mold, which may cause lung disorders when smoked, though it rarely affects healthy individuals.
  8. Vaping and “Dabbing” Concerns: Limited research suggests that inhaling marijuana via vape pens or dabbing cannabis concentrates could pose similar respiratory health risks as e-cigarette use.

In light of the significant respiratory and immune system risks associated with smoking and inhaling marijuana, it’s essential to approach its use with caution, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems. The damage to lung health, increased vulnerability to infections, and potential exposure to harmful molds underscore the need for further research and public awareness. As methods of consumption like vaping and dabbing grow in popularity, understanding their long-term effects becomes increasingly critical. Prioritizing health and making informed choices about marijuana use can help mitigate these risks and protect overall well-being.

Reference: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health

Is Anxiety a Mental Illness?

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Anxiety is a natural part of life that everyone experiences at some point, whether it’s feeling nervous before a big event, getting butterflies in your stomach, or dwelling on a stressful situation. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, occasional anxiety is not considered a mental illness. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, and significantly impacts daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder, which is a diagnosable mental health condition. Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and anxiety disorders is an important step in recognizing when to seek support.

What Is a Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are psychiatric conditions that affect a person’s mood, behavior, and thoughts, impacting about 1 in 5 people, with 4% experiencing severe cases. For a condition to be considered a mental illness, it must significantly disrupt daily life. While some cases are short-term, many require long-term management through effective treatment. Untreated mental illnesses can affect jobs, relationships, and family dynamics, but with proper care, people can lead fulfilling lives.

Common mental illnesses include:

  • Depression, including unipolar depression and bipolar depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance abuse disorder
  • Eating disorders

Your mental health matters, and taking steps to care for it is an act of strength and self-compassion. If you’re struggling with chronic anxiety or other mental health concerns, know that support is available and healing is possible. Treatments for anxiety, including therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy), medications, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes, can help you regain balance and improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional, trusted friend, or support group—no one should navigate this journey alone. Prioritize your well-being, and remember: seeking help is a powerful step toward a healthier, happier you.


保持平衡的生活方式。
Maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/is-anxiety-a-mental-illness-5271630

Harmony Between Worlds: A Black Buddhist Artist’s Journey

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Living as a Black Buddhist artist immersed in a bicultural experience is a profound act of self-discovery. My heritage as a Black individual expresses resilience, creativity, and community, while my Buddhist practice offers a framework for mindfulness, compassion, and balance. These two identities do not simply coexist—they enrich and inform each other, creating a unique lens through which I experience this world. Through the teachings of lord Buddha, I’ve come to understand my cultural roots not as a separate identity but as a path in which I cultivate dharma..

As an artist, the bicultural experience manifests in the stories I tell and the mediums I use to tell them. My work is a reflection of both celebration and introspection, merging the rhythms of my heritage with the contemplative silence of my Buddhist practice. Whether through the meditative pluck of the Guzheng or the quiet resilience embedded in my poems, I strive to create art that speaks to the shared humanity between cultures. This process has taught me that self-cultivation is not about abandoning one identity to embrace another but about finding harmony in the tension, allowing each aspect of myself to bloom.

Self-cultivation within this bicultural space is an ongoing practice of loving-kindness toward myself and others. It is about embracing the complexities of my identity without judgment, cultivating wisdom through the lessons of my ancestors, and staying grounded in the present moment. As a Black Buddhist, I see my journey not only as personal liberation but also as a call to inspire others in my community to explore the depths of their identities with courage and compassion. Together, we can honor the beauty of our roots while forging new paths of creativity and cultivation.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Jieao

Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke

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New research suggests that using cannabis—whether by smoking, eating, or vaping—may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study found that cannabis users faced higher cardiovascular risks, regardless of tobacco use or other underlying health factors. Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the growing misconception that cannabis use is harmless, particularly as smoking remains the predominant method of consumption, exposing users to particulate matter. With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states and its usage nearly doubling since 2002, understanding its health impacts is increasingly critical. The study analyzed survey data from over 434,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes—even among non-tobacco users and younger individuals at lower baseline risk. Prior research on marijuana’s cardiovascular effects has been limited due to overlapping tobacco use and younger study populations, but this study underscores the potential dangers as cannabis use becomes more widespread.

Key Facts

  • Higher Risk with Any Use: Any marijuana use was associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Frequent Use Increases Risk: Daily marijuana users had 25% higher odds of heart attack and 42% higher odds of stroke compared to non-users.
  • Smoking as Predominant Method: Smoking was the most common way people consumed cannabis, followed by eating and vaping.
  • Increased Odds for Younger Adults: Men under 55 and women under 65 who used marijuana had a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, even without tobacco or e-cigarette use.
  • Independent Risk Factor: The elevated odds for cardiovascular issues persisted even in individuals who had never used tobacco products or e-cigarettes.

These findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with marijuana use, particularly as its prevalence continues to rise and perceptions of its safety shift. With smoking remaining the most common method of consumption and frequent use linked to significantly higher odds of cardiovascular issues, it’s crucial for individuals to consider these risks and for healthcare providers to address them in discussions about overall heart health. As marijuana use becomes more widespread, further research is needed to provide a clearer picture of its long-term impact on public health.

Reference: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/28/marijuana-use-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke

Living With Existential Depression

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Existential depression is a deeply challenging experience where individuals grapple with finding meaning in their lives and existence itself. This struggle can lead to a lack of motivation in daily life, fixation on thoughts of death and dying, indifference toward the seemingly “unfixable” state of the world, and avoidance of connections with others. While these feelings can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that existential depression is not a formal diagnosis but rather a way to describe this specific emotional and philosophical struggle.

“Everyone experiences [a level of] existential depression at some point in their lives and it is very common to find it as one moves through the challenges of the maturation process,”- Jed Turnbull, PhD, LCSW, CHT, a licensed social worker, and therapist.

Questions that often spark feelings of existential depression include:

  • What is the meaning of life? 
  • Why is there suffering?
  • Why do people have to die? 
  • Can I make an impact in the world? 
  • Why do bad people go unpunished?
  • Why do good people experience pain? 

Certain life experiences can also act as potential triggers for existential depression, such as:

  • Stressful life events: Situations that cause major upheaval can greatly impact your life. For example, one study notes that cancer patients may question the meaning of life when they realize that death is a very real possibility.
  • Having poor job satisfaction: Research has shown that there’s a relationship between job satisfaction and mental health. So, if you’re dissatisfied with your job you may have poorer mental health. You may also start to wonder what the purpose or point of your job is.
  • Lack of meaningful relationships: Science notes a strong link between healthy social relationships and aspects of our health and wellness.

“In more immediate circumstances, one’s way of expression can be very helpful in alleviating their depressive symptoms,” Turnbull notes. “Journaling or writing, and other abstract ways of self-expression such as art and music, as well as learning something new, can all be ways to decrease depressive symptoms.”-Jed Turnbull, PhD

Experiencing existential depression can be triggered by deep reflections and life events. It’s crucial to prioritize mental health and adopt a healthy lifestyle in response. Taking time to reflect on your well-being and engage in self-care practices can help manage feelings of existential dread and promote a more meaningful and fulfilling life.


照顾好自己是对的。Taking care of yourself is the right thing to do.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-existential-depression-5496376

Health Problems Caused by Secondhand Smoke

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There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, as even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and adverse reproductive health effects in women, such as low birth weight. For infants and children, secondhand smoke is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks.

The effects of secondhand smoke are immediate, causing over 2.5 million deaths among non-smokers since 1964.

  • In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke exposure can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.
  • Secondhand smoke can cause adverse reproductive health effects in women, including low birth weight.
  • In children, secondhand smoke exposure can cause respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks. In babies, secondhand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Secondhand smoke exposure can produce harmful inflammatory and respiratory effects within 60 minutes of exposure which can last for at least three hours after exposure.

Protect yourself and those around you by living smoke-free. Quitting smoking not only improves your health but also creates a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Take the first step today—your body and loved ones will thank you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/secondhand-smoke/health.html

Strings, Stories, and Dumplings: A Cross-Cultural Artistic Journey

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Growing up as a Black artist deeply immersed in AAPI communities, I’ve had the unique privilege of learning from traditions that have enriched my life and artistry. My Chinese godmother from Beijing played a profound role in shaping my understanding of culture through the art of cooking. I still remember standing by her side in the kitchen as she showed me how to wrap dumplings with care, explaining the significance of each ingredient. Her stories about the dishes she grew up with connected me to a heritage that wasn’t my own by birth, but one that became a part of me through shared meals and loving mentorship. The kitchen became a sacred space where culture, history, and love blended together, teaching me the value of preserving traditions.

Another important influence in my life was an elder from the AAPI community who introduced me to the art of guzheng, the Chinese zither. The first time I touched the strings, I felt an immediate connection to its hauntingly beautiful tones and the centuries of history it carried. My teacher’s patience and dedication were inspiring as he guided me through the techniques and the cultural stories behind the music. Through this practice, I not only learned to play an instrument but also became a custodian of an art form that deserves to be celebrated. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the ways in which traditional arts can bridge cultural gaps and preserve histories that might otherwise be lost.

As a Black artist based in Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional arts can build understanding and nurture creative expression. I encourage Minnesotans to engage more actively with BIPOC art forms, whether it’s attending a local Guzheng performance, joining a cooking workshop led by immigrant elders, or participating in collaborative art projects. By creating spaces where diverse traditions are honored and practiced, we not only preserve cultural legacies but also cultivate a thriving community of creativity and respect. Invest in these traditions, not just for their beauty but for the stories and connections they bring to our lives.

Jarrelle （杰遨 ）Barton