Smoking rates have dropped in recent years, but cigarettes remain the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., and electronic cigarettes pose a new danger, says Dr. Leslie Kohman, professor of surgery and director of outreach for the Upstate Cancer Center.
Tobacco smoke can lead to heart disease, several kinds of cancer and other health problems, and the tobacco-based vapor in e-cigarettes creates nicotine addicts, many of whom later turn to regular cigarettes. Kohman also analyzes smoking rates in central New York and talks about a lung cancer screening program and quit-smoking programs offered through Upstate. She also reminds smokers that it is never too late to quit.
Also this week: stereotaxis to treat specific heart problems, plus how firearm violence is a public health issue.
Tune in this Sunday, December 31 at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. for "HealthLink on Air."