Episode 35 - Kicking the Habit

More than 34 million Americans currently smoke in some form, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States.  Acceptance of smoking in public has seen a dramatic decline in recent years, as more and more places become smoke free environments.  But just because smoking is less accepted in public spaces doesn't mean smoking itself is in decline.  In fact, due to COVID-19 related stress issues, the United States has actually seen an uptick in the number of smokers.

 

On this episode of The 9 Line, we speak with Dr. Melissa LaVan and Dr. Stephen Slubar about what the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is doing to help Veterans kick the habit, how smoking can make you more susceptible to the worst impacts of COVID-19, and the upcoming Great American Smokeout on the 18th of this month.