Vaping dangers for former cigarette smokers – and more
Medical Watch Digest for May 20
Vaping is far more dangerous for certain people
Former smokers who then vape are at higher risk for lung cancer.
The American Thoracic Society reports on the first large population-based study of 4.3 million people following conventional smoking cessation.
Pulmonary toxicity is a greater threat for former smokers than nonsmokers from the formaldehyde and toxic metals in e-cigarettes.
The same compounds are in cigarettes.
Ex-cigarette smokers who then turned to vaping or e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to develop lung cancer compared to people who quit smoking but did not substitute with vaping or electronic cigarettes.
Caffeine Intake & Kids
There is advice for restricting caffeine for young people but a new study shows many parents don’t know the limit or even realize how much their teens are consuming.
Michigan Medicine researchers say parents are asleep when it comes to caffeine intake.
Soda is the top caffeine choice for young people. Tea and coffee come in second as most popular.
Doctors say caffeine is a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system and in developing teenage brains can lead to a variety of health problems.
Too much caffeine can lead to mood, sleep and school performance problems.
For adults, 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is appropriate.
Children and adolescents should be limited to 100 milligrams a day which is equivalent to one cup of coffee, energy drinks contain 500 milligrams of caffeine plus added sugar.
More Coverage: WGN’s Medical Watch
Some advice for the best way to exercise
Many wonder if they should count steps or minutes working out.
New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital reveals both step and time based exercise targets are equivalent when it comes to improved health outcomes, extending life and reducing the risk for heart disease.
Monitoring steps is now easier with smart watches but guidelines are lacking for specific step counts for health.
Doctors say set personal goals and increase step counts to mimic a workout in order to maximize benefits.
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