Behavior Health and Wellness Blog
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to swell and narrow during an asthma attack, which makes breathing difficult. This swelling reduces the flow of air in and out of the lungs, and the cells in the airways may produce excess mucus—a thick, sticky substance—that further obstructs airflow and exacerbates breathing challenges. If you have asthma, an attack can occur when something irritates
Marijuana use carries significant risks that can impact a person’s health and life, yet its use continues to rise, especially among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women. In the U.S., marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance, and despite growing usage, the perception of its potential harm is declining. Many young people today do not view marijuana use as risky. However, the dangers are very real,
Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States, contributing to an estimated 480,000 deaths annually. Smokers aged 60 and older face a twofold increase in mortality compared to nonsmokers, dying approximately six years earlier. While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, tobacco smoke contains at least 69 cancer-causing chemicals, making smoking responsible for at least 30% of
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States. As of 2021, approximately 28.3 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, with over 16 million living with at least one smoking-related disease. Additionally, 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads national efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths and chronic diseases. Through partnerships and tobacco control initiatives,