AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 1/16/2008 Subject: Smoking and my unual pain.
Question Hi Michael,
I just chanced on this site and found all the answers regarding those to want to give up smoking.
First of I would like to ask you Michael since, I have given up smoking I have severe pain in my back and my exrays show that my spine is aging! I am 53 years old have been tiny but more nimble than a 16 year old so why? Can you please tell me what should I do about it as I dont want to be crippled!
Now.... for all those who want to give up smoking, let me tell you I gave up chain smoking after 16 years. I would try but somehow loved smoking and the feeling it gave me. I must also say, I pray to the Holy Spirit for guidence and protection apart from the help thru the Father! for those who will believe just try it and see. Watching my children watch me in fear since my mother and all her SIX sisters died of cancer, I suddenly decided I wanted to live. Really Live and not hide behind the confidence of a ciggerate! I say confidence as I really felt that way but I WAS extremely sure without being conceited! Those are the demons that want you to FEEL that way.
Apart from a bloated tummy and a little more coffee, I feel fine.
To quit smoking many say IS will power but I dont agree. My father was the strongest man where will power was concerned! Do you think only weak people smoke? Give me a break! I would say people who think too much! Ask yourself honestly what are the Selfesh Reasons and then FINDa Reasons to WANT to LIVE!!Go to what smoking does to you and all the cancer web-sites. That alone will scare you! But that did not scare me as much as my children asking me if I will live long. Long enough to see them graduate!! That got me thinking.
Willpower, I had plenty proved in various ways but smoking as I said I liked! So to give up something you liked is ask yourself is it worth above all else?
Still its tough when I feel fidgetty but I look at my loved ones and pray for strength everyday not forgetting to trade my smoking with God for lesser abortions!! Bargin with God for someones health someones life, some peace, something, anything!!
If this helps anyone I am so glad that I made a difference like you will in your loved one's life.
Thankyou Michael for all the time you take in helping someone find their way and a reason to live.
Aaron
Answer Dear Aaron,
Bless you for quitting. Especially for your family.
I am not an MD, so I can't give you too much advice on your back problems. A doctor might be able to suggest an exercise program and a chiropractor might help.
I agree that faith can be a powerful aid to quitting and I should include it in my advice.
Thanks for writing,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
