Viva Vitality: Smoking, vaping not a solution for increased stress
By Rita AMan on October 8, 2021.
“I’m so stressed out!” I’ve heard these words and said these words more often in the last year and a half than ever before. People who use tobacco often smoke more when they are feeling stress and they may believe that smoking helps relieve their stress. The fact is using tobacco actually causes stress in the body – nicotine makes the heart beat faster and blood pressure go up, which makes the heart work harder. When the heart works harder it needs more oxygen. But if a person is smoking, the carbon monoxide they’re breathing in makes it harder for the body to absorb oxygen, and this causes extra stress. If you smoke or vape, you may be growing concerned about your use if it has increased due to increased stress. There’s never a perfect time to quit, but right now there are many virtual group options available on various days of week and times of day, so it may be worthwhile checking out. Virtual QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans (18-plus) with the tools and skills they need to quit using tobacco. The program consists of a set of six 90-minute online virtual sessions guided by a trained facilitator. Join a group online through your smartphone, tablet or computer to share your stories, learn new coping strategies and celebrate milestones together. Check out http://www.albertaquits.ca for information on registering for groups. There is also access to phone support, text support and you can even join an online chat group with others who are quitting or recently quit. There are so many resources to support your quit journey. I’ve included information regarding COVID-19 and tobacco use. Here are a few excepts from the “Smoking, Vaping and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions” taken from http://www.albertaquits.ca. Do I have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 if I smoke or vape? When you smoke or vape tobacco, cannabis, or e-cigarettes, you touch your mouth and lips often. This makes it easier to catch a virus from your hands. Sharing cigarettes, joints, vapes, or hookah products can also spread the COVID-19 virus from one person to another. We also know that you have a higher risk of lung infections if you smoke. This is important to know because COVID-19 is an infection that mainly affects the lungs. What can I do to lower my risk of COVID-19 if I smoke or vape? If you smoke, there are ways to lower your risk of COVID-19: • Wash your hands well with soap and water before and after you smoke or vape. • Don’t smoke or vape in groups. • Don’t share smoking or vaping products. To protect the lung health of others you live with, go outside to smoke or vape. You may already be thinking about quitting. Quitting can lower your risk of COVID-19. What supports are available to help me quit? There are many supports to help you quit smoking or vaping. These include: • Nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum) • Prescription medicines • Counselling You are more likely to actually quit smoking when you take prescription medicine to help you quit and have counselling. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to see if they offer phone support. They can also answer any questions you have about quitting smoking and the options to help you quit. There is information and support from AlbertaQuits. • Call 1-866-710-QUIT (7848). Free and confidential support is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. • Text ABQUITS to 123456. • Visit www.albertaquits.ca. This may feel like a very stressful time to try to quit smoking. But research shows that quitting smoking can also improve your mental health. If you’re having trouble coping or dealing with stress, call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642. The Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Rita Aman, Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services 28-27
