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: 7/31/2007 Subject: smoking
Question Once you quit smoking what are the best things to do to heal lungs and other damaged parts of the body? How long does it take and do you ever re gain your pre smoking health? thanks
Answer Dear Robertar:
Congratulations on deciding to quit. Have you quit yet? How long and how much have you smoked?
As you can imagine your body has a lot of recovering to do after smoking. One of the first things that happens is that the cilia in your lungs grow back. These are the small hairs that line your lung and sweep out debris. The healing starts right away, but takes some time and varies depending on how long you smoked and your general health. There is more info here: http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/coughing.htm
You will definitely be much healthier, although there can be some permanent damage in some people. It is good to get a checkup when you quit and have an exercise program recommended by your doctor. You can also discuss new anti-smoking medications with a doctor.
Feel free to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to find out resources in your state. Some states have a free quit line, which could come in handy.
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
PS please recommend my book to any smoking parents. I still need someone to write a review at Amazon.com
