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Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, considered by many to be "America's favorite physicians," work together to bring their tips for a healthy ...
Read more about By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D..
Secondhand Smoke Myths, Busted
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Planning to dodge the risks of secondhand smoke by sitting outside at
a wine bar tonight? Surprise: If people are smoking on the patio or
sidewalk, the air there is just as bad as it is in the smoking section
indoors. Huh? Yes, secondhand smoke is as bad outside as it is inside,
unless you're sitting in such a wind tunnel that your napkin has to be
tied down and you need a seat belt. Otherwise, a nearby outdoor smoker
pollutes your lungs as much as an indoor one.
Next question: Which one of these is worse? Spending a few hours in a car, windows cracked, with a smoker -- or sitting through a couple of jazz sets in a smoky bar. Answer: The car. Even with the windows open a bit, it's worse than the smoke-filled bar.
So the next time anyone asks, don't think twice about saying, "No, PLEASE don't smoke while I'm around." Do NOT waffle, because nonsmokers who hang with smokers effectively turn into smokers themselves. They become as vulnerable to smoke-related damage like wrinkles and erectile dysfunction as fast as real smokers do. Here's why they -- and you -- get the butt of the smoking deal:
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including arsenic, cyanide and DDT.
Smokers puff through a filter, but you suck in the pure stuff, which contains twice as much tar and nicotine.
Not only can secondhand smoke raise your risk of heart disease and lung, cervical and other cancers, but it also can lower kids' test scores and even predispose Fido, Mittens and the ferret to serious illnesses.
Being exposed to cigarette smoke for four or more hours a day can make your RealAge as much as 6.9 years older.
========
The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of the best-selling "YOU: The Owner's Manual" and "YOU: On a Diet." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2008 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
This news arrived on: 05/15/2008
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