Musings: Adore the heart, skip the smoke

In the early weeks of 2026, many individuals choose to set goals that focus on improving their overall health. Common objectives include eating more nutritious foods, increasing physical activity and adopting healthier habits. February is recognized as American Heart Month, making it an especially important time to focus on changes that benefit cardiovascular health.

Among the most impactful health changes one can make is to quit smoking. Regardless of your age or duration of tobacco use, stopping tobacco consumption significantly lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Tobacco product use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Smoking is associated with a variety of serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, lung disease and cancer.

The use of electronic cigarettes also increases the likelihood of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma attacks.

Nicotine in smokeless tobacco products poses additional risks, particularly for adolescents, as it can harm the developing brain.

Furthermore, smokeless tobacco is a risk factor for cancers affecting the mouth, esophagus and pancreas.

As a certified tobacco treatment specialist and registered nurse, I received a testimonial from a patient who formerly smoked: “We must continue to support the programs that save lives. Participating in a smoking cessation program and quitting tobacco use saved my life.” This statement, from a 63-year-old man, underscores the significant and potentially lifesaving benefits of tobacco cessation.

Health care professionals play a critical role in reducing tobacco-related illness, disability and death.

I know that their efforts also help alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use in New York State.

— Christine Fardellone, East Meadow