Health Niche Article
WHY YOU SHOULD QUIT SMOKING: YOUR KIDS AND SECONDHAND SMOKE
It is widely known that tobacco products are the leading cause of cancer and heart disease in adults, but secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is particularly harmful to children. In a 2007 report issued by the US Surgeon General, it’s estimated that sixty percent of American children from the ages of three to eleven (approximately twenty-two million youngsters) are exposed. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that low-income and Black children have disproportionately higher exposures to ETS.
Secondhand smoke is the combination of “sidestream smoke” which is the smoke emitted by burning tobacco, and “mainstream” smoke which is the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Tobacco smoke has more than fifty substances that can cause cancer, including arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride. There are also 4,000 chemicals, including 250 that are extremely harmful such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia, and when you introduce these poisons into developing lungs the results can be devastating.
Babies of pregnant women who smoke and babies exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Expectant mothers exposed to secondhand mothers are prone to having babies with low birth weight, making them weaker and susceptible to other health issues in the future.
Secondhand smoke slows the growth of children’s lungs and increases their chances of getting colds, middle ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It can also cause an asthmatic child to have more frequent and severe attacks. According to the American Lung Association asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of fifteen. The National Cancer Insitute has found that children exposed to secondhand smoke are at greater risk for leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors.
Most secondhand smoke comes from cigarettes, followed by pipes and cigars, and the smoke from one large cigar is equivalent to the smoke from an entire pack of cigarettes. The exposure can be measured by testing indoor air for nicotine or it can also be tested by measuring the level of cotinine (a by-product of the breakdown of nicotine) in a nonsmoker’s blood, saliva, or urine. The test shows how long the substance stays in the human body, and for an adult, it is typically seven to forty hours and for a child, it remains for thirty-two to thirty-eight hours.
The only cure for secondhand smoke is the complete avoidance of the use of tobacco products. Air purifiers and building ventilation systems cannot completely eliminate secondhand smoke. The best defense is to have a smoke-free home and automobile and to patronize smoke-free restaurants and other establishments.
It should be easy to locate smoke-free environments since smoking is now seen as a public health menace. As health researchers discover more links between smoking and disease, it is becoming increasingly more prohibited and more than half of the states have enacted bans on smoking in the workplace. Smoking restrictions are starting to be adopted in other countries as well and France, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand have followed suit.
Quitting smoking is a challenge, but many support groups can help. There are also several products on the market such as Chantix or the Zero-Nicotine herbal patch as well as artificial cigarette systems and alternative therapies such as hypnosis or auricular therapy.
Set an example for your children by not smoking and protect their health and the future of your family by avoiding the nicotine habit.
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Restaurant Promotion
TIRED OF SNOW, SLEET, AND RAIN?
DAILY GRIND GETTING YOU DOWN?
YOU CAN SPEND A DAY AT THE BEACH – ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
You’ve just spent two backbreaking hours shoveling snow and you’re tired and hungry. Not to mention chilled to the bone.
Maybe it’s hump day at the office and you’re dreaming of a sun-filled vacation with white sand, blue skies, palm trees, and balmy breezes.
YOU ARE ONLY MINUTES AWAY FROM THE BREAK YOU DESERVE!
Valencia Luncheria and Venezuelan beach food are the answer! Empanadas. Arepas. Ceviche. Delicious batidos in several mouth-watering flavors …
Valencia Luncheria is the casual and colorful creation of Michael Young, former chef of the chic and popular Amber Jack’s on Washington Street in South Norwalk. He decided that the people of Fairfield County needed a unique and affordable eatery, and wanted us to experience the food he has enjoyed so many times in such places as Caracas and Isla Tortuga so he has a free offer for you…
Now, you’re going to ask me, why beach food? Well, Venezuela has 1,740 miles of coastline on the Caribbean Sea, with hundreds of cabana cafes along the shore offering the very same snacks and platters such as:
Empanadas: the perfect answer to the American sandwich – he’s got them in at least fifteen different combinations including chicken tamarillo, beef picadillo, black bean, and cheese to name a few – $2.50 for one ample and tasty bit.
Arepas: another type of sandwich, but made with cornmeal, and in many combinations, such as beef or chicken stew, chorizo, spinach, and cheese, also at the same price.
Do you like the taste sensations of hot and spicy jalapeno peppers or exotic sweet fruits like mangos and papayas? How about fresh jugos (juices) such as pineapple, melon, or berries, prepared right on the spot?
My brother is an old-fashioned meat and potatoes kind of guy and he loves the Steak al Parilla with Yucca Fries. I always go for seafood and look forward to the Mango Dijon Painted Salmon. The Crispy Calamari Salad, with avocado, bananas, and sesame dressing is another personal favorite at the Valencia Luncheria. And there are plenty of selections for those of the vegetarian persuasion.
There are also Specials of the Day that include more gourmet type of fare, but are very reasonable. The prices are so affordable, you can eat like a king, and still keep some pesos in your pocket. And if you act in time there is a special free offer waiting for you.
There is a standard menu along with daily specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is fresh and homemade, and the desserts are up front and on display for everyone to see. You can watch the Coconut and Caramel Glazed Cheesecake dwindle right before your eyes!
And did I mention the artwork? The restaurant also features paintings by accomplished Venezuelan artists, so the simple space doesn’t need any other decoration than the food and the color- drenched canvasses on the walls!
Will the fragrance of sweet plantains or a spoonful of Dulce de Leche bring back fond memories of a past tropical vacation? Or perhaps your taste buds will trigger a fantasy of those palm trees and balmy breezes in your future… Here is your ray of sunshine!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE OFFER!
There’s really no excuse not to come with these hours: Mon – Fri 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
So, I’m telling you about great food, at a great price, with very accommodating hours. It’s the Valencia Luncheria for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if you come at any time before April 15, 2010, the Empanada is on the house!
P.S. In case you’re wondering, a batido is a drink made of milk and fruit juice. If you come in by March 31, 2019, they will also spring for your batido (the pomegranate/banana is sensational)!
Testimonials
“Paul and I have been back to the beach food restaurant twice since you told us about it. Yum.”
Karin Cook
“Since you took me there, I go often. The food is so fresh and good, and it’s so comfortable there.”
Marina Marchese
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