Unit 10 Tobacco and Caffeine

Question 1

describe the different ways in which tobacco is sold in Canada.

Answer 1

Tobacco is sold in Canada through various methods, including convenience stores, tobacco specialty shops, online retailers, and vending machines. These channels offer a range of tobacco products, from cigarettes to smokeless alternatives. Additionally, strict age verification processes are in place to regulate sales and prevent underage access.

Question 2

discuss the social issues of tobacco use, including advertising and medical costs.

Answer 2

Tobacco use poses significant social issues. Advertising can glamorize smoking, influencing youth. Medical costs burden healthcare systems due to smoking-related illnesses, impacting public health and economy. Efforts to curb these problems include tobacco control policies, anti-smoking campaigns, and increased awareness of health risks.

Question 3

identify some of the major chemicals found in cigarettes, and describe how major toxic substances in tobacco affect the body.

Answer 3

Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens.

• Nicotine is addictive and affects the brain.
• Tar damages lungs, causing respiratory issues.
• Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen transport, straining the heart.
• Carcinogens promote cancer.

These substances collectively lead to lung diseases, cardiovascular problems, and increase the risk of cancer.

Question 4

outline the health hazards, including secondhand smoke, that stem from smoking tobacco and related products.

Answer 4

Lung Diseases: Smoking causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and bronchitis.

Cardiovascular Issues: Increases heart disease risk due to narrowed blood vessels, leading to strokes and heart attacks.

Cancer: Smoking is a leading cause of lung, throat, mouth, and esophagus cancers.

Secondhand Smoke: Exposes non-smokers to the same harmful chemicals, leading to respiratory issues and increased health risks.

Pregnancy Complications: Smoking during pregnancy harms fetal development, increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Oral Health: Smoking leads to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers.

Overall Mortality: Smoking reduces lifespan, contributing to premature death from various diseases.

Addiction: Nicotine addiction makes quitting challenging, further exacerbating health risks.

Question 5

discuss strategies people use to quit smoking.

Answer 5

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers provide controlled nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Medications: Prescription medications like varenicline and bupropion help curb cravings and ease withdrawal.

Behavioral Counseling: Individual or group counseling offers support, coping skills, and strategies to manage triggers.

Cold Turkey: Some quit abruptly, relying on willpower to overcome cravings.

Mobile Apps and Support Groups: Digital tools and online communities provide motivation and accountability.

Gradual Reduction: Slowly decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked can ease the transition.

Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques like meditation and exercise help manage stress and reduce smoking triggers.

Personalized Plans: Tailoring strategies to individual preferences and triggers enhances success.

Question 6

list the policies and programs that influence Canadians’ use of tobacco.

Answer 6

1. Tobacco Taxes: Higher taxes increase prices, discouraging consumption.
2. Smoke-Free Laws: Bans smoking in public places to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
3. Graphic Health Warnings: Mandated on packaging to highlight risks.
4. Tobacco Advertising Restrictions: Limiting marketing to deter new smokers.
5. Cessation Programs: Providing resources to help people quit.
6. Youth Prevention Initiatives: Education campaigns targeting youth to prevent initiation.
7. Flavor Bans: Restricting flavored tobacco products that attract youth.
8. Plain Packaging: Removing branding to reduce appeal.
9. Minimum Age Laws: Setting legal age for tobacco purchase.
10. Tobacco Retail Licensing: Regulating sale locations and ensuring compliance.

Question 7

compare the benefits and risks associated with caffeine

Answer 7

Caffeine Benefits:

1. Increased alertness and concentration.
2. Temporary energy boost.
3. May improve physical performance.
4. Potential protective effects against certain diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes).

Caffeine Risks:

1. Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
2. Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Nervousness and anxiety.
4. Dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
5. Digestive issues for some individuals.

Question 8

summarize the health consequences of long-term caffeine use

Answer 8

1. Tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effects.
2. Chronic sleep disturbances.
3. Potential for heart issues with excessive consumption.
4. Mood disorders and anxiety in sensitive individuals.
5. Increased risk of osteoporosis due to calcium excretion.

Effects vary by individual tolerance and sensitivity.