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Why LEO Worries Me as An Orthopaedician? Smoking!!!


Before Thalapathi (Actor Dr. Joseph Vijay's title given by his fans) fans get upset with me let me state the following:
1) I am a big fan of his acting , dancing and comic timing.
2) I understand smoking scenes may be the need of the script.
3) I know statutory warnings are displayed when smoking happens on screen.

My angst is two fold. Firstly the impressionable minds might misconstrue that smoking is cool as their idol is doing it. And in this movie ,Leo, the number of scenes too is a lot . But more importantly the second thing is that everyone seems to know what smoking does to the heart and lungs but very little is spoken about its impact on Bone & Joint Health. So I will try to address that information gap in this blog post .

Smoking and Orthopaedics: A Comprehensive Perspective

Smoking is a major public health problem that has a number of adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system, including:

Weakening of bones and increased risk of fractures: Smoking decreases the production of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone. It also increases the production of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. Smokers are also more likely to experience fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.
Delayed wound healing: Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the tissues. This can impair the body's ability to heal wounds. Smokers are more likely to experience wound infections and nonunion of fractures.

Increased risk of orthopaedic conditions: Smoking increases the risk of developing a number of orthopaedic conditions, including:
    * Avascular necrosis (AVN): A condition in which the blood supply to the bone is interrupted, leading to bone death.
    * Lumbar spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back that can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
    * Herniated disc: A rupture of the disc between the vertebrae that can put pressure on the nerves.
    * Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints.
    * Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which are the cords that attach muscles to bones.

In addition to the above, smoking can also:

* Worsen the symptoms of pain and inflammation.
* Reduce muscle strength and endurance.
* Impair physical function and balance.
* Make it more difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
* Increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including bone cancer.*

All of these factors can have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system and make it more difficult to recover from injuries and surgery, as well as to live a healthy, active lifestyle.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall musculoskeletal health and well-being.

In addition to the immediate benefits of quitting smoking, such as improved lung function and reduced risk of heart disease, quitting smoking can also have a number of long-term benefits for your musculoskeletal system. For example, smokers who quit are less likely to develop osteoporosis and fractures. They are also more likely to experience successful outcomes from orthopaedic surgery.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your musculoskeletal health. If you are an orthopaedic patient, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about quitting smoking today. There are a number of resources available to help you quit, including medication, counseling, and support groups.

Here are some tips for quitting smoking:

* Set a quit date and tell your friends and family about your decision.
* Throw away all of your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays.
* Avoid places where people smoke.
* Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking. They can offer you support and medication to help you quit.
* Find a support group or counselor who can help you stay motivated and on track.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being. It is never too late to quit.

SCOT: Dr. Naveen's Bone and Joint Clinic.
9094567894 , 9094567893
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