It is a known fact that smokers have a significant drop in their Vitamin C levels due to tobacco smokes destructive free radicals. Vitamin C is important to your body's immune system and connective tissues, so a decrease causes serious problems (i.e increased infections, cancers, poor wound healing, etc). Researchers with the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) looked at whether second hand smoked could similarly decrease children's levels of vitamin C and therefore put them at risk for such problems.

Here is what they found:

Vitamin C levels were 20% lower in children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

15 million children in 1994 were exposed to 2^nd hand smoke

43% of US children live in a home with 2^nd hand smoke

(summary from PEDIATRICS, March 2001)

The pediatric literature is full of research that links second hand smoke exposure in children with increased respiratory illnesses, asthma, anesthesia complications, SIDS, low birth weight and unsafe cholesterol profiles. American Academy of Pediatrics with the American Heart Association has issued warning statements about the dangerous effects of second hand smoke on children.

The above study gives us more of the "why" instead of the "what" of second hand smoke, and the info speaks for itself. The hard part is protecting your kids against these effects if you are a smoker. We non-smokers say "just quit." We in the medical field know it is difficult to quit, but not impossible. Fortunately there are many more ways to help you stop smoking like patches, pills, hypnosis, and cold turkey, but don't forget the most important factor in stopping any addiction or habit -- the Lord.

We all have "things" that we should stop doing for the sake of our kids whether it be smoking, swearing, cheating, gossiping, yelling, etc. Without the Lord's help though your changes may be short lived or all together unsuccessful. In Psalm 127:1 the psalmist says "unless the Lord builds the house, the builder builds in vain."

More compelling though, when we become a Christian we are a NEW creation in Christ, ALL things have become new" 2 Corinthians 5:17. The all includes any habits you need letting go.

Second hand smoke is easy to see as something dangerous to your kids, but take some time this week to "look" with spiritual eyes at your child's environment. What habits of yours may be harming your kids second handedly?

Until next week, may our Lord's love be with you

Dr. Jane