2014 is drawing to a close and if you smoke or have a loved one who smokes, why not encourage them to make 2015 a tobacco-free year. CVS wants its customers to quit smoking and live a life without tobacco, for themselves and those who care about them. That’s why they’ve launched the #onegoodreason campaign.
The list of reasons to stop smoking is a mile long and recently research has shown yet another way smoking damages your health. According to a news release by researchers at Brigham Young University, those who live in a household with smoking family members are at a higher risk of unhealthy weight gain. While many people smoke to help stave off weight gain, it’s having the opposite effect on the metabolism of those around them.
The scientists began their experiment by working with lab mice that were exposed to secondhand smoking, and discovered that the smoke activates ceramide, a kind of lipid, which changed the way mitochondria, a cellular component works. This altered the way the cells handle insulin hormones. In order to reverse the mice’s condition they needed a ceramide blocker of myriocin. This resulted in the mice not gaining weight, despite being exposed to regular secondhand smoke.
While the researchers are working on a ceramide blocker for humans to help combat the effects of secondhand smoke on children, wouldn’t it just be better to stop smoking? It’s of course easier said than done, but CVS wants to help with the #onegoodreason campaign, and are offering tips on quitting and staying smoke-free as well as the availability to ask a pharmacist about quitting.
If you’ve quit smoking or want to quit smoking, you’re encouraged to share your story at the CVS website and share the hashtag #onegoodreason on social media to inspire others.
