Pregnant women and parents with children living at home should be counseled on the potentially harmful effects of smoking on fetal and child health. Anti-tobacco messages should be included in health promotion counseling of children, adolescents, and young adults. Primary care clinicians should counsel both parents and children about the importance of avoiding initiation of tobacco use and of stopping tobacco use after initiation. Texas Tobacco Resource Catalog Complete listing of materials available in Texas. A physician's advice to quit is a powerful motivator for attempting to stop.
Tobacco is a potent human carcinogen.
A majority of cancers of the lung, trachea, bronchus, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, and esophagus can be attributed to the use of smoked or spit tobacco. Smoking promotes atherosclerosis and is a significant risk factor for myocardial infarction and cardiovascular, coronary and peripheral artery disease. It is a risk factor for respiratory illnesses such as COPD and pneumonia and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Smoking during pregnancy can cause perinatal death, low birth weight, preterm delivery, can increase the risk of miscarriage, and can result in fetal growth retardation. All Major Authorities Physicians should provide smoking cessation counseling, treatment, and referral to patients who smoke.