UAPB professor urges people to stop smoking and improve their health – News – Arkansas News Bureau

No matter how long or how many people have smoked, quitting will help them improve their health, said Janette Wheat, Ph.D., of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, in a Press release.

"As soon as you stop, your body starts to heal itself," said Wheat, badociate professor and human development specialist at the Cooperative Extension Program.

According to a report from Centers for Disease Control 2019, after 20 minutes of stopping smoking, heart rate and blood pressure drop; in 12 hours, carbon monoxide in the blood returns to normal. In two weeks to three months, circulation and lung function improve and in one year, the risk of heart disease is half that of a person who is still smoking.

Quitting smoking also helps the body to better use insulin, which can ease blood sugar management, according to the press release.

"Ready for inspiration? Discover some fascinating stories from the CDC's Former Smokers Advice campaign. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often once you stop because blood levels may drop. Once your body has quit smoking, it will be useless to tick this box, "the statement said.

To help you quit smoking, consider nicotine replacement products such as gum, patches, and lozenges. They can double the chances of stopping for good.

"But nicotine-containing products increase blood sugar levels, so tell your doctor if you have diabetes," advises Wheat and the CDC.

"If you can not stop the first time, do not give up. Several attempts may be necessary to become definitely smoke-free. And, do not necessarily do everything alone, she says.

People should seek help from their friends and family or try the free QUITSTART app and benefit from free coaching to help quit smoking by calling 1-800-QUIT- NOW (1 800 784-8669). Help is also available in Spanish and in several Asian languages. And visit I'm ready to stop! for more resources online.

People at risk for prediabetes and / or type 2 diabetes should ask their doctor questions such as:

"What is my target blood glucose range? How often should I check my blood glucose? What do these numbers mean? Are there any charts showing that changes are needed in my diabetes treatment plan? What changes are needed? "

Diabetics should take an A1C test at least twice a year, more often if they change medication or have other health problems, Wheat said. The A1C test, also known as the A1C or HbA1c hemoglobin test, is a blood test that measures average blood glucose over the past three months. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and is the primary test for managing diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Higher levels are related to the complications of diabetes.

"If you have questions about numbers or diabetes management, work closely with a doctor or health care team," said Wheat.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its outreach and research programs and services without discrimination.

– Carol Sanders is a writer and editor at UAPB's School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.