Many people still believe marijuana is “safe” or that it’s impossible to get addicted, but research increasingly proves the opposite. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is emerging as a serious public health issue in the United States and beyond. Unlike casual perceptions that downplay its risks, science shows cannabis can have long-lasting effects on the brain, […]
Calls to Reassess Cannabis Risks: New Research Reported Read More »
Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease, impacting lung health at every stage of life. It is responsible for about 8 in 10 COPD-related deaths in the United States, worsens asthma in both adults and adolescents, and increases the risk for tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. Additional consequences include reduced lung function,
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Cigarettes, cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco all negatively impact oral health, often in ways that are both painful and dangerous. Tobacco use is strongly linked to oral cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, lips, and gums. Cigarettes can cause gum disease, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. Cigars, even without inhaling, can cause
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Cigars and cigarettes may seem similar, but the differences go far beyond size. Cigarettes are typically small, wrapped in paper, and contain less than 1 gram of unfermented tobacco. They’re made to be inhaled and usually smoked in under 10 minutes. In contrast, cigars are made from fermented tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaf, come in
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As marijuana use continues to rise across the country, new research is uncovering unexpected health concerns—especially in trauma patients. A study analyzing over 593,000 adult trauma cases from the ACS Trauma Quality and Improvement Program (2015–2016) found a significant link between preinjury marijuana exposure and increased thromboembolic complications (TEC), such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
As marijuana use continues to rise, so do concerns about its long-term effects on lung health—particularly its link to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While marijuana is the second most commonly smoked substance in the world after tobacco, its health risks remain less defined. Marijuana smoke shares many of the same harmful components as tobacco
Does smoking marijuana increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Read More »
Heart disease—including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD)—remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and smoking is a major driver behind it. Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes, while PAD often causes pain and weakness in the limbs. Smoking and
Smoking and Heart Disease, Stroke, and Peripheral Artery Disease Read More »
Bullying remains a harsh reality for many students in today’s classrooms, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth often face unique challenges. From being mocked for their language or cultural food to enduring harmful stereotypes and racial slurs, AAPI students are frequently targeted in ways that leave lasting psychological scars. According to national data,
Standing Together: Addressing Bullying Among AAPI Youth in Schools Read More »
Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death, not only due to direct smoking but also through secondhand exposure. Since the landmark 1964 Surgeon General’s Report, tobacco control efforts have made major strides—researchers estimate they’ve helped avert 8 million premature deaths and added 2.3 years to male and 1.6 years
How can we prevent tobacco use? Read More »
Cannabis is often promoted as a natural alternative for pain relief, and in the U.S., it’s one of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis. But what does the science actually say? Despite growing public interest, research shows that cannabis is not consistently effective in treating most types of acute or chronic pain. While a
Cannabis and Chronic Pain Read More »