Sebrinah Yeo: Awareness

Showing posts with label Awareness. Show all posts

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Tobacco Harm Reduction Alternatives

Sebrinah Yeo November 25, 2021 0

If you or you know someone who is a smoker, then I am sure this article can help you or your loved one. Because today I wanted to bring this topic into awareness; the "Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR)" and what are some of the things that we should know of and also the less harmful alternatives that smokers can look into.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

I used to be a smoker before when I was in my teenager years on-going to entering the big big world of adulthood and work-life. I was basically curious why people smoke and it got me intrigued to try it out. I will say influence plays a huge role here and that is why I am here to influence you to reduce or quit smoking altogether. Because I was only a social smoker, I smoke just to fit in to the crowd, I smoke to fit in with the group or mix with certain groups. I even had to smoke just to bond and communicate with some of my teammates that I was managing. And it was not something that I enjoy honestly. I did it to fit into the social circle and it was bad, for my health literally.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

You may think it is cool but actually you are harming not only yourself but the people around you. That's why when I met my husband, I am grateful that he didn't smoke and I was able to quit altogether because of him, because I didn't need to smoke at all thereafter. That's why I firmly believe the 5 people you mix with today are the average of your outcome today. Just look around you and see who are your current circle of friends you liaise with daily and their habits and you will see somewhat a reflection of some in your own habits.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

However, you can be the change in others by changing yourself first. That is why when you make a firm and informed decision to change the way you live your life, not only you benefit but, because of your little action, it can affect good little changes amongst the people around you watching you, following you, learning from you and copying you (consciously and subconsciously). So let's get down to the topic!

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Tobacco! Do you even know what is this? I don't, but when I started smoking, I know it will damage my health and my organs. Some say, take a deep breath in and you will feel the difference. Some love that feeling, some that's the feeling of damage happening silently. Some just take puffs and blow it all out thinking that it is more healthier or less damaging but, have you even heard of secondhand smokers or even third hand smokers? Second Hand are those that literally can see and smell the smoke you just puffed out, even if they aren't smoking. That's why if you smoke around people, those people will become secondhand smokers involuntarily. Third Hand smokers on the other hand are your loved ones waiting for you at home. They will get it directly from you because the smoke is already all over your skin, hair, body, breath and your clothes, even in your vehicle. Basically, that's how your entire family that lives with you, young or old, becomes third hand smokers involuntarily.

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Sounds scary right? But it's true. I went through over the years hearing news and information of this to be well-informed of my decisions to quit this because it wasn't enjoyable to me. Did I even mention the cost of the cigarettes? You could save them up for a proper House or Car or even a better healthcare solution. That's why it is important for you to know what is Tobacco, what is Nicotine, what is Tar?

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

If Tar is an ingredient in the cigarette and tar is also an ingredient used to build road pavements, what am I building inside my body when I smoke these tar-cigarettes? Imagine it.

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Let me share a personal story of mine, I know someone who had lung cancer, spent thousands and suffered through treatments and eventually thought he was almost recovered but the cancer came back in vengeance and he went into relapse until he passed on shortly after just a couple of days. This was like 10 over years ago, this person I know of loves to drink and smoke everyday! He can literally smoke more than 3 packets of cigarettes a day and he just smells cigarettes all day. Another one story of mine is from a friend, her husband was a chain smoker and she wanted him to stop. He dutifully tried but it was hard back then, he immediately stop his chain smoking but it was bad, he was already addicted to it. He started getting chills and he was have runny nose and it was so bad that his hand will shake and shiver unless he gets his daily puff. Why do I share these 2 stories with you is not to encourage you to continue but because it was because of so many individuals and so many years of research that many has gone through and passed on that today, we should be grateful that no matter what happened, it was for a good reason. Thanks to them and so many people out there finding ways for all of those who have been trying to quit smoking to live healthier without suffering the addiction of the non-smoking effects; Harm Awareness Association (HAA) is the forefront of reducing harm in every aspect in life, which I am featuring in this post today on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

So now we know that burning a cigarette is super harmful to everyone. What can we do to gradually reduce this and eventually stop? How can this post help you as a smoker or someone you know?

References : https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/nicotine/
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2009/05/31/4000-chemicals-in-cigarettes
https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-prevention/smoking/whats-in-a-cigarette
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/whats-in-a-cigarette
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215420#1
https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/by-the-numbers/10-worst-diseases-smoking-causes
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/

Here's a few alternatives that one can opt for a replacement to cigarettes but it’s important to note that while these products are not risk-free, they do however contain significantly lower levels of toxicants, thus, reducing harm to the human body.

1. E-Cigarettes

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Vape, vape pens, e-hookah, e-pipe, e-cigars and many more.

What is it: A battery-operated device that does not contain tobacco. Instead, it works by heating an e-liquid to emit a vaporized solution upon inhalation to simulate tobacco smoking (but with relatively less harmful vapor!). The e-liquid typically contains a mixture of chemicals, artificial flavourings, and nicotine. However, options for non-nicotine e-cigarettes are also available.

I know of some who took this and eventually choose sweet flavourings and gotten used to it until they opted for similar flavoured sweets/candies as substitutes and eventually quit vaping altogether.

2. Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs)

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: IQOS, Ploom TECH, PAX, Glo and many more.

What is it: HTPs are devices that employ battery-powered heating systems to heat tobacco to produce nicotine. Unlike cigarettes, HTPs do not burn tobacco, but as its name implies, heats it before allowing it to reach its combustion point.

I know of some who took this and eventually choose sweet flavourings and gotten used to it until they opted for similar flavoured sweets/candies as substitutes and eventually go quit smoking altogether.

3. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Nicotine infused products such as gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers and more.

What is it: A commonly used, medically approved method that administers nicotine to a user without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. NRT comes in many sizes, shapes, and forms, designed to help those who quit smoking - especially those who suffer from severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. NRTs are widely available at pharmacies.

I know of some who took this and eventually choose the real gums and lozenges without nicotine as substitutes and eventually quit relying on nicotine's altogether.

4. Smokeless Tobacco

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Snus, snuff tobacco or chewing tobacco.

What is it: Smokeless tobacco supplies nicotine without the combustion of tobacco and is administered either orally or nasally. As it does not involve the combustion of tobacco, therefore presenting no risks without smoke inhalation, smokeless tobacco is generally considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes - albeit, addictive.

I know of some who took this tobacco nasally and eventually choose the minyak angin instead to sniff and ward off the addiction and eventually quit relying on such snuff tobacco altogether.

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/

Please note all these alternatives are not to encourage you to keep smoking for life, but when you make an informed decision to switch to these less harmful alternatives, make you have a goal in mind with a clear intention that the reason for the switch is to ultimately lead you to gradually reducing your smoking habits until you can totally quit smoking completely and live a healthier and more prosperous life that you and your loved ones truly deserve!
Reference : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/

Having said that, this period of pandemic should be seen as an opportunity to quit smoking. Keep our body clear from harmful substances, as we do not know how bad the virus could affect us even in a healthy state. If that is too challenging, try slowing down on cigarettes and vapes, at least throughout this pandemic. Allow our system to fight infections optimally. Because when all this ends, all we really want is to be able to breathe in fresher air, with no face masks getting in the way… let alone cigarettes.
Reference : https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2021/05/712162/merokok-meningkatkan-risiko-dijangkiti-covid-19

For More Updates, Please Follow HAA website for more!

"Apa Khabar Mak Abah?" Awareness Campaign- TENA Malaysia

urologist

Sebrinah Yeo August 09, 2018 1

Was glad to be here at this event by TENA Malaysia. I remember seeing their latest advertisement video on Facebook about how real this issue is amongst the elderly and it was never talked about ever. Almost as if it was a taboo. The embarrassment is definitely there in all of us deep down. But this campaign today stood out and inspires to make a difference in this topic or in this situation. To be honest, not many will speak up and tell anyone they have an incontinence problem.

What is incontinence?

It is the inability to control yourself on passing motions.

When I stated anyone, I literally meant everyone no matter the age! Because this incontinence problem does not just affect the elderly. Some younger adults do experience this too.

It's also frequent amongst woman especially after birth; This is due to their weak pelvic floor muscles. But this is not some kind of disease or plague but be warned, as it can lead to those if it is left untreated!

YES! It can be cured!

The TENA advertisement video I saw on Facebook really hit a core in my soft spot. I cried because it's really touching to see how the elderly parent and adult child bonded over this matter. It is not an easy journey and everyone facing issues like this will be in denial at the start.

Juriah bt Jalalus Shuti shared her story of how she started noticing things and how she managed to resolve things between her and her mom's incontinence situation. In fact, it was Juriah that was in denial because her mom is a single supermom. It wasn't until one day her mom couldn't control herself and suddenly had a go at it at the kitchen near the fridge. They were embarrassed. But she brushed it off. After 6 months, she then realized something was wrong. She was in denial but had to do something, so she discussed with her sister. She hired a part time maid to clean the house in the morning but in the afternoon it goes back to square one. They talked about it but her mom was also in denial and Juriah had to be careful of her words when she talk to mom.

So in order to make her accept reality. Everyday, after work & after picking her 3 kids up; They'd go to her mom's place to mop the floor and wash her clothes & sheets. Until she got so tired and fed up, that one day, she stopped going over for a month. So her mom asked her sister what happened to Juriah. Then after that, Juriah came back and her mom was still in denial. Until finally she manage to convince her to accept reality and wants her to move in with her. She manage to invite her home with her AFTER she renovated her house and added 2 rooms, one of it right next to the toilet. She thought the issue was over until one day she hurt her lower back due to excessive moping as she will head home from office several times a day. That is when Juriah and her sister decided to let her try TENA. And now the problem is finally resolved temporary. You must be persistent, said Juriah.

It is advised by Dr. Peter Ng (Consultant Urologist & President of the Continence Foundation Malaysia) to go seek help and support those who are affected! Usually incontinence happens due to certain medical conditions that causes it. For example, I have been coughing for 2 months and it was so bad that I sometimes leak when I'm coughing badly non-stop, many people (including me) feel it's minor and it'll get better soon. But little did I know that as a person (especially women) gets older they will leak. Because their pelvic floor muscles has weaken.

The good news is, 80% of incontinence cases are curable. And the method of curing is really simple, you either take medication, you practice bladder training, do kegal exercise and if needed, a small surgical to insert a string in a small part of the vagina, will do it's magic to cure this incontinence issue once and for all! There are some side effects to surgical method but it is very minimal and rare.

Andrew Yap shared about how his mom (60s), when she goes for exercises and walking up the hill, she has to wear sanitary pads. And it leaks because she has to walk up and down the hill. Her friends noticed it first that her pants are wet after coming down from the hill. So she has been suffering alone for quite awhile. Andrew was studying overseas at that time and busy with his life out there in the world. Then when he finally came back, he noticed there was urine scent and also a lot of sanitary pads stocked-up at home. Over the years later, he did notice the issue but was not aware of what to do and the first person that found out, is the family GP. The GP told her to speak to her son to support her and bring her to check up at the hospital. That was when his mom finally spoke up about her incontinence problem and they went to the hospital together. She used to use the Tena after finding out about it. And after getting proper help at the hospital, her incontinence issue is now almost cured. So it can be rectified. Go to the doctor together with your loved ones. Keep providing them support, even though they won't tell you upfront of their issue. Follow them until you find the root cause with them and support them throughout.

As mentioned also by Dr. Peter Ng, incontinence depending on which type, can be cured. For example, stress incontinence (like prolong coughing or exercising or even laughing or sneezing) can be cured through "Kegel" exercise! Which is also mentioned in the Caring 101 book where you can download it on TENA website. A quick Google search will show you many results about this beneficial exercise for women out there! It was also the only exercise I did while expecting my babies because it's meant to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Another method is the surgical part which takes about 20minutes or so and it will be cured.

An overactive bladder on the other hand is slightly different but can be cured with medication or bladder training. This bladder training can be done on your own and it helps to hold your urine better. And with a proper training, you won't need any drugs to cure it!

Some simple Bladder Training steps to take note :

1. Take your phone, set the timer to 1 hour.

2. For a week, everytime your phone timer rings every 1 hour; Go to the toilet and try to pee (regardless or not you have pee)

3. The following week, set your timer to 1 hour and 15 minutes, then repeat the same action.

4. Keep increasing the timer for several weeks until you get to 3 to 4 hours apart.

It's as simple as that.

Please don't use sanitary pads, it is to hold blood and not to hold water. TENA has a technology to hold water and keep the surface dry. AND it must be dry and not wet, because if it's wet, it will affect your skin and more problems may arise down below! TENA can hold up to 400 - 600ml of urine. It will stay dry, but if it feels wet then it needs to be changed (means full already lah).

It is good to know about all these strategy, investment and knowledge that will empower you. It'll even help save your money. The cure is there and it is very rare that a doctor will just ask you to wear a pad for good.

Do You Know?

Midnight trip to the toilet is the most dangerous trip. Because it is dark, you woke up feeling groggy, the bathroom floor wet, it is dangerous; And most elderly folks are like beautiful Ming vases, there are no resilience. You see, your body will regenerate when you are unwell because you got no reserves. So you and your body are very fragile!

If midnight toilet trip is needed, get a urinal for your parents! It's safer then moving them next to the bathroom!

To be honest, if I weren't here today, I'd never know that it can be cured and it ain't a disease. It's nothing to be ashamed about, because nobody is perfect at the end of the day.

What can you do as a caregiver/friend/relative/son/daughter/in-law?

As mentioned by Evelyn Chan (Marketing Director, Vinda Group Southeast Asia) you can explore the following :

1. Take the self check list HERE

2. Download the Caring 101 handbook HERE
3. Speak to someone, a toll-free helpline is available 1-800-88-9988 or Facebook chat available for assistance from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.