blog

Quitting smoking is never easy—but for people battling tuberculosis (TB), it can be the difference between recovery and relapse, life and death. A growing body of research now shows something remarkable: a simple, supportive text message—sent at the right time—can dramatically improve quit rates, even among people facing serious illness. This insight is changing how public health experts think about smoking cessation, especially in vulnerable populations. For communities working to quit smoking, this isn’t just a technology story—it’s a human connection story. Why Smoking and Tuberculosis Are a Dangerous Combination Tuberculosis already places enormous strain on the lungs and immune system. When smoking is added to the mix, the risks multiply: Smoking slows TB recovery It increases the likelihood of treatment failure It raises the risk of death and reinfection…

Many former smokers turn to vaping believing it is a safer way to avoid returning to cigarettes. While switching away from combustible tobacco can reduce exposure to some harmful toxins, growing evidence suggests that starting or continuing nicotine use through vaping may carry serious cardiovascular risks—especially for former smokers. Emerging research indicates that former smokers who take up vaping may face a higher risk of heart attack than those who quit nicotine entirely. This evolving evidence challenges the assumption that vaping is a harmless long-term alternative and reinforces the importance of complete nicotine cessation as a cornerstone of cardiovascular wellness. Nicotine and the Heart: The Common Denominator Nicotine—regardless of delivery method—is a powerful stimulant that affects the cardiovascular system. It raises heart rate, increases blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and…

For people living with HIV, maintaining overall wellness involves more than managing viral load alone. Lifestyle factors—especially tobacco and nicotine use—play a powerful role in long-term health outcomes. Smoking rates among people living with HIV remain significantly higher than in the general population, and nicotine use is now recognized as one of the leading preventable causes of illness and early mortality in this community. Quitting nicotine is not just beneficial—it can be life-extending. Smoking and HIV: A Compounded Health Risk Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition. However, research shows that people living with HIV who smoke may lose more years of life to tobacco use than to HIV itself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is associated with increased rates…

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide, yet its impact is not distributed equally across populations. Among the most affected—and often overlooked—are people living with mental health conditions. While smoking rates have declined steadily in the general population, they remain disproportionately high among individuals experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health challenges. This disparity represents a critical public health issue and an urgent wellness concern that demands focused attention, compassion, and action. A Disproportionate Burden of Harm Research consistently shows that people living with mental health conditions smoke at significantly higher rates than those without such conditions. In many countries, this group consumes a large share of all cigarettes sold, despite representing a smaller percentage of the population. As…

Breath resistance necklaces have become a popular social-media trend, often promoted as tools that can help people quit smoking or vaping. Influencers claim they reduce cravings, strengthen lungs, and even replace the sensation of vaping. But do these devices actually work for nicotine cessation? The short answer: they are not proven smoking or vaping cessation tools. However, some people report limited benefits when using them in specific ways. Here’s what the evidence and user experiences really show. What Are Breath Resistance Necklaces? Breath resistance necklaces are wearable devices with a mouthpiece that restricts airflow during inhalation. This creates resistance, forcing the diaphragm and breathing muscles to work harder. The concept is borrowed from inspiratory muscle training (IMT), which has legitimate medical and athletic applications. These necklaces are marketed in two…

In 2025 and 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears to be shifting its stance on how it regulates nicotine and tobacco products — potentially signaling a thaw toward tobacco harm reduction (THR). This change could have implications for adults who smoke, public health policy, and how safer alternatives are evaluated and made available in the United States. While the FDA has historically taken a cautious and often restrictive approach, recent developments suggest that the agency may be moving toward a broader recognition of harm reduction strategies — including recognizing that some nicotine products are much less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can play a constructive role in reducing smoking-related disease. Filter+1 What Is Tobacco Harm Reduction? Tobacco harm reduction is a public health approach focused on reducing…

If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco or vaping — whether you’re just starting to consider it or you’ve tried before — supportive programs and resources can make all the difference. The beginning of a new year is a great moment to commit to your health and take action toward a tobacco-free life. There are free workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one support options designed to walk you through planning your quit date, understanding withdrawal, developing coping strategies, and staying smoke-free for the long haul. Human Resources University of Michigan Start With a Quit Readiness Workshop For many people, the hardest part is figuring out where to begin. A short introductory session can help you explore your quitting options in a supportive, non-judgmental space. In early January, there’s a virtual workshop where…