Hey what's with this? Four and a half million "older" people keep lighting up! Maybe that's because so many of them began smoking when it was a socially acceptable habit. Playing cards, cocktail parties, BBQ's - you name it and smoking was a "before" - "after" - "during" event. And secondary smoke - what was that? So for some, 30 to 50 years of participating in tobacco products has hardened into a habit that has real issues to undo. It's not about patches, will-power or the grandkid's health ... it's about a mindset change. Is this a senior issue - you decide: one in 10 seniors smoke compared to one in five among the US general population?
Finally Medicare is providing counseling for anyone on the Medicare program who's trying to kick the habit. Medicare's chief medical officer says "it's never too late to quit." In addition to diseases which cause death ( cancer, lung disease and heart disease) other diseases impacted by smoking are quality of life issues (gastric reflux, osteoporosis.) The 8 covered counseling sessions may be the prescription for improved senior health for smokers. "Older smokers who receive counseling are significantly more likely to quit than those who get only standard medical care."
How can we help? Easy - this is a new benefit - ask those closest to you to get the word out. Encourage the smoking seniors in your life to talk with their healthcare providers ...
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