Even though the national percentage of people who smoke has decreased, the numbers still remain high in the LGBT community.  Cigarettes are, unfortunately, a part of LGBT culture. One of the most common pick-up lines in the gay community is, “Do you have a light?”  In 2004, a survey in California showed more than 30 percent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people were smokers.  

In 2001, an article in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine stated, “evidence suggests that since the 1980’s, the tobacco industry has targeted the gay market through direct advertisement, sponsorship, and promotional events.”  Tobacco companies created an advertising campaign titled “Project SCUM” which stood for “subculture urban marketing.”  The consumer subcultures included “alternative lifestyle” along with “street people.”

Some theories why LGBT adults have increased smoking rates include: bars and dance clubs as the prime social outlet, reduced access to health care, stress related to identity issues and less support from family and society. Lesbians have been shown to smoke twice as much as heterosexual women according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Smokers have a higher chance of developing a list of many life threatening illnesses including: throat, mouth, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney, bladder, and cervical cancer, increased blood pressure, peptic ulcers, and a greater than average chance of hip, wrist, and spinal fractures.  Also, those who smoke are at twice the risk for developing fatal heart disease.  Furthermore, smoking is the major cause of emphysema, a debilitating lung disease which slowly destroys a person's ability to breathe normally.  In addition, smokers tend to get colds and other respiratory tract infections more often than nonsmokers.

According to the American Cancer Society, “cigarette smoking accelerates the start of AIDS among people with HIV” and “HIV accelerates smoking induced emphysema.”  Other studies have found an association between smoking and an increased risk for certain opportunistic infections associated with HIV such as Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP).

On the market today, there are two medications that require a prescription to help in smoking cessation; Zyban (bupropion HCL) and Chantix (varenicline).  Chantix attempts to block the nicotine receptors in the brain, helping people overcome nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms including: irritability, shakiness, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping and increased appetite. All the studies showed primarily mild side effects from any of the drugs. Some people on Chantix complained of nausea and unusual dreams, while those on Zyban had more insomnia.   

There are many things you can do to help yourself quit smoking:

    * Set a quit date and make sure to throw your remaining cigarettes away.
    * Join a nicotine-anonymous class or support group.
    * Ask your family and friends for support.
    * Start an exercise program.
    * Think about using nicotine gum or patches.
    * Think about asking your doctor for a prescription medicine that can help you quit.

Within the first 24 hours of quitting, your chances of a heart attack begin to decrease and by one year the likelihood of a heart attack is cut in half. Quitting smoking helps your circulation, your stamina, your skin, and your overall health.  Quitting smoking also reduces the likelihood of your getting respiratory problems and lung cancer.  Remember, it is never too late to quit !

Until next time!