CLV Podcast

From Smoke to Sugar: Tackling Two Silent Killers on A Healthier Tomorrow

What do nicotine, diabetes, and your daily habits have in common? More than you think. Today, we’re diving into two of the biggest — and most preventable — health threats facing our community. If you’ve ever wondered how to quit for good, or how to avoid a lifetime of medications, this episode is for you.

About the Guests:

Cassandra Miraz is a dedicated health educator with the Southern Nevada Health District’s tobacco team. Holding both a bachelor's and a master's degree with a focus in public health, Cassandra is passionately involved in community wellness, aiming to impact lives positively by promoting tobacco cessation and healthier lifestyles.

Amy Runge serves as a Clinical Nurse Manager at UMC Hospital and manages the Healthy Living Institute at UMC. With 30 years of nursing experience and a robust background in health promotion and chronic disease management, Amy emphasizes preventative care, striving to enhance health education and wellness outcomes across the community.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens guide listeners through pressing public health challenges, focusing on tobacco use and diabetes. Joined by insightful guests Cassandra Miraz and Amy Runge, the show delivers a wealth of knowledge tailored for health-conscious individuals and communities aiming to nurture a healthier tomorrow. The episode delves into the intricacies of nicotine addiction, secondhand smoke, and practical strategies to quit smoking while also exploring the vast landscape of diabetes management and prevention.

The discussion opens with Cassandra Miraz enlightening the audience about the pervasive effects of nicotine across various tobacco products. Her engaging insights into nicotine addiction, secondhand, and even third-hand smoke, bring to light the importance of comprehensive community strategies for reducing tobacco consumption. Amy Runge then enriches the conversation with her expertise in diabetes, stressing how lifestyle modifications can significantly mitigate health risks associated with diabetes. She advocates for proactive measures, such as regular screening and personalized health education, underscoring the program resources available through UMC's Healthy Living Institute.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine, particularly in tobacco products like vapes and cigarettes, is highly addictive and hinders brain development, necessitating community-focused cessation efforts.
  • Secondhand and Third-Hand Smoke: Both pose significant health risks. Exposure extends beyond close proximity to smokers, affecting anyone nearby or in areas where smoke residues linger.
  • Diabetes Awareness: Diabetes is a growing health crisis, with one in five people unaware of their condition. Type 2 diabetes, primarily due to lifestyle factors, is preventable with proper education and lifestyle changes.
  • Prevention and Management: Through programs like the Healthy Living Institute at UMC, individuals gain valuable knowledge and tools to manage or prevent diabetes, emphasizing the importance of screening and lifestyle modification.
  • Community Support: Resources, advocates, and community events like the Great American Smoke Out aim to empower individuals to quit smoking and adopt healthier habits.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "Nicotine tends to alter people's brain chemistry. It's one reason why we put a big emphasis on preventing tobacco use, as it can really hinder brain development." – Cassandra Miraz
  2. "Secondhand smoke exposure causes roughly over 480,000 deaths per year nationwide. It's just as dangerous as smoking a tobacco product." – Cassandra Miraz
  3. "If our body and pancreas are not processing the food we eat, it can cause lifelong problems. Screening is so important." – Amy Runge
  4. "I want to empower people... You can make modifiable changes in your lifestyle and bring it back [under control]." – Amy Runge
  5. "Today is a perfect day to start quitting because it's a journey." – Cassandra Miraz

Resources:

This episode dives into the critical issues of tobacco use and diabetes, offering practical advice and resources for a healthier lifestyle. For an in-depth exploration of these topics, tune in to the full episode and stay engaged with "A Healthier Tomorrow" for more insightful discussions and health-promoting content.