Doing away with bad habits isn’t always as simple as saying “no.” However, taking the first step in improving ourselves can make a world of difference. For instance, everyone knows that smoking is bad for their health. However, millions of people in the U.S. still smoke cigarettes. Unfortunately, the Black community has been hit the hardest by these drug companies.
In fact, tobacco companies often like to set up shop in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Tactics like these have led 90 percent of Black Americans to use menthol cigarettes, which are both easier to smoke and harder to quit. Making matters worse, research shows that thousands of Black people have died from tobacco-related cancers.
Honestly, these statistics are devastating. Fortunately, there’s work being done to promote smoke cessation in targeted demographics like the Black community. Several organizations and even individuals have taken on the task of re-educating Black smokers on the effects of smoking tobacco. In fact, one woman’s study may be the key to helping people give up smoking for good. Her research may even save millions of Black lives.
You May Also Like
A College Assistant Professor’s Study May Be The Key
University of Arkansas Assistant Professor Diana Jones, of the Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is one step closer to helping the Black community stop smoking. Her research, “The Study On Tobacco”, explores why Black Americans are less likely to quit smoking menthol cigarettes compared to white smokers. Her study will be conducted from now until 2027. Jones still has a long way to go but she hopes that in the end, her study will yield successful results in promoting smoke cessation.
Furthermore, the study has set a few guidelines in place for participants. Those wishing to be a part of Jones’ study must reside in Little Rock, have access to a smartphone and range in age from 21 to 75 years old. Most importantly, they must be willing to quit smoking within 30 days. Jones will then check up on her participants before and after they stop smoking, to test for behavioral patterns, such as mood changes, stress levels and nicotine cravings.
However, research argues that “Black smokers have a greater nicotine dependence than others.” Despite the research, Jones believes that her UQuit study will yield a positive outcome in the end.
You May Also Like
She will then use UQuit data from the study to create programs that will increase successful smoking cessation among Black American smokers. In the end, her study can be the key to helping thousands give up smoking.
RELATED: The Do’s and Don’ts of Smoking Cessation
Talking With Healthcare Professionals About Quitting
Diana Jones’ Study on Tobacco can lead to a better future for the Black community. It can even save more lives than not. Though there are several ways for people to quit smoking now. One of the best ways involves talking with healthcare professionals about your goals. Visiting healthcare centers and even low-cost health clinics to talk to doctors about tobacco smoking can be beneficial in understanding the drug. Additionally, smokers can be educated on the effects that menthol and long-term smoking can have on their bodies. Studies have shown that the biggest causes of heart attack, stroke or cancer stem from tobacco smoke. In the end, knowledge is power. Knowing the risks associated with the drug can give people a better understanding of what it means when they pick up a cigarette.
RELATED: 6 New Age Ways to Quit Smoking FOR GOOD
A Doctor Can Recommend Medication
In addition, healthcare professionals can even prescribe you FDA-approved medication to help with nicotine cravings and relapses. Knowing what medication will work best for you can go a long way in helping you through your recovery. For example, using medications like Varenicline can make it hard for that “Nicotine buzz” to sink in. Even better, this pill has no trace of nicotine in its contents. It can start working the week before you quit, reducing your urge to smoke. It also has a high success rate. Other medications, like using multiple NRTs, can also help end your smoking cravings.
RELATED: Smoke Cessation: Is It Harder For Black People To Quit Smoking? Here’s What The Experts Say
Get Involved With Health Groups
Another way Black American smokers can take action is by getting involved with health groups. Listening to others’ stories about their addiction to menthol and their struggles can give someone perspective on their own relationship with tobacco. It especially makes a world of difference when the person sharing their story is of the same race. According to research, health campaigns that feature Black Americans are more likely to encourage members of the Black community to participate in various health programs. For example, the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers National Tobacco Education Campaign featured several Black American spokesmen to share their hardships with using tobacco and how they overcame it.
All in all, there are several ways for people to stop smoking today. They can even promote smoke cessation and help others in their community. While the University of Arkansas’s Assistant Professor Diana Jones has done her part, it’s time for others to rise up and take a stand. In the end, giving up the cigarette is as simple as asking for help.
