Archive for the ‘Abuse & Addiction’ Category
The dangers of cigarette smoking is widely publicised in the media and smokers cannot claim to be ignorant about the dangers of this habit as cigarette packs now contain warnings. While cigarette smoking poses a health risk to all smokers, pregnant women should be more cautious as they are risking both their pregnancy as well as the health of their child in the future. Pregnant women who do not smoke but are exposed to cigarette smoke (secondary smoke) are also at risk of these detrimental effects associated with cigarette smoking in pregnancy.
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The festive season is often marked with excessive alcohol consumption and while this may be part of the revelry, it can also lead to conditions like acute pancreatitis. Most cases of acute pancreatitis leading to emergency room visits occur immediately after Christmas or New Year’s day. The pancreas is small gland situated in the abdomen and plays a role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed to the point that it causes symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain.
Crystal meth has become a well known drug due to the explosion of this narcotic on the South African drug scene. Known locally as ‘tik’, crystal meth use has spread throughout South Africa and is growing as the drug of choice among teenagers. Crystal meth belongs to a category of drugs known as methamphetamines and is more addictive than other popular drugs like cocaine.
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The anti-tobacco laws that have come into effect over the past few years in South Africa has undoubtedly inconvenienced cigarette smokers. From having to smoke in designated smoker zones even when outdoors to paying more every year for a pack of cigarettes, these measures have made smokers more aware of the importance of kicking the habit. Inconvenience and an expensive product will at least reduce tobacco usage even if many smokers do not quit. The electronic cigarette that has recently hit our shores has been hailed as the solution for many cigarette smokers, especially the office bound chain smoker.