Editor’s Note: “2 Your Health” is a new column in the Sun Lakes Splash dedicated to health issues. Each month different doctors and or medical associations, from varying specialties, will be writing on issues of importance. Articles are based on experiences and independent research conducted by the doctors or medical associations. We encourage anyone considering changing medications and or altering medical therapy, as a result of information contained in these articles, to consult your doctor first. Robson Publishing, a division of Robson Communities, Inc. is not liable for information contained in these articles.
Better tomorrows are here for those suffering from COPD
David Ebner, Staff Writer
Recently diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and shortly before his death on February 27, 2015, Leonard Nimoy tweeted, “Not soon enough.” He was referring to his decision to quit smoking. Nimoy had quit 30 years before, but the damage was done. Nimoy told Pharrell Williams last year in an interview, “I flunked chemistry in high school.” Apparently, young Nimoy hadn’t fully grasped the long-term effects of smoking. He spent his final year of life urging people to stop smoking now, before it’s too late. The internationally beloved actor was 82 years old. Smoking does not benefit the health of anyone. Whether you have been smoking for a week or 10 years, it would be in your best interest to quit. There are many alternatives to smoking, such as trying nicotine patches, nicotine gum and even vaping. With devices such as the smok stick v8, it is definitely worth a try. There’s no harm in giving it a go, but there will be harm to your health if you continue to smoke. Using other methods to wean yourself off smoking completely could be a good way to go and it is a much better option for you health-wise too. The transition period between smoking and becoming a non-smoker can be extremely tough, so trying out vaping through things like Hamilton Devices may make the process easier and quicker.
COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer with 12 million people diagnosed and another 12 million undiagnosed. Mr. Nimoy is not the only celebrity to have developed COPD. Such entertainment icons as Johnny Carson, Dean Martin and Leonard Bernstein suffered from COPD, which played a role in each of their deaths.
Physicians prescribe bronchodilators to expand airways and allow more air into and out of the lungs. It’s common for COPD treatment plans to include supplemental oxygen to regulate diminishing blood-oxygen levels brought on by poor lung function. While these treatments help, they don’t cure COPD. They manage symptoms.
A stigma carried by smoking-related illnesses – that patients only have themselves to blame – has perhaps hampered research funding. But many started smoking as minors, lured by marketing targeted to children.
A clinic in the United States is creating hope for people with COPD by developing a treatment using stem cells from the patient’s body. The Lung Institute (lunginstitute.com) has performed over 1500 treatments since 2013, harvesting stem cells through a minimally-invasive procedure, isolating them and returning them to the patient. The result can slow further degeneration and bring normal life within reach. Their 70 percent success rate and increased quality of life for their patients speak volumes.
Nimoy took precious time to issue a warning – that with degenerative lung disease it’s impossible to know when enough damage has been done that the lungs will continue to degenerate. However, new advancements are in practice and COPD may soon be on the decline. Regardless of the individual causes of lung disease, all deserve a chance to fight for better tomorrows. With innovative treatments like stem cell therapy, that hope has now become a reality for thousands. However you choose to quit, whether it be through using refillable vape pod kits or nicorette patches or chewing gum, you need to quit as soon as possible to have the best chance at having a healthy future.