American Heart Association states No proof that Gum Disease causes Heart Disease or Stroke
April 21, 2012
Dallas, TX – Despite popular belief, gum disease hasn’t been proven to cause atherosclerotic heart disease or stroke, and treating gum disease hasn’t been proven to prevent heart disease or stroke, according to a new scientific statement published in Circulation, an American Heart Association journal. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health. However, an American Heart Association expert committee — made up of cardiologists, dentists and infectious diseases specialists — found no conclusive scientific evidence that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, causes or increases the rates of cardiovascular diseases. [Read more]
Menthol Cigarettes Not Less Harmful, say Experts
November 30, 2011
Written by the National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, MD – Smoking causes more preventable deaths (from lung cancer, heart and lung disease, other cancers, and chronic illness) than any other single behavioral factor–an estimated 443,000 deaths each year. It is projected that more than 23,000 African-Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, with most of these cases caused by smoking.
Lung cancer can be treated, but rarely cured. For African-Americans with lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is only 13 percent. Indeed, lung cancer kills more African Americans than any other cancer. [Read more]
Tennesseans drop Tobacco to improve Health
August 26, 2011
Contact the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine for Free Assistance to Stop Tobacco Use
Nashville, TN – Tennesseans continue to choose the path to better health by stopping smoking. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a decline in smoking rates in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health offers free support to all Tennesseans who want to quit smoking through the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
“We are encouraged by this data demonstrating that Tennesseans want to lead healthy lives free from tobacco,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Too many Tennesseans die each year from preventable illnesses linked to tobacco use. We urge those who smoke to make a plan to quit, and to contact the QuitLine for professional support.” [Read more]
