Michael Omidi Reviews Encouraging News for Smokers Wanting to Quit in the New Year

With the dawn of a new year comes many promises; promises to live a healthier life, to lose weight, to reach out to friends and to quit dangerous habits like smoking.  If 2013 is the year you’ve designated to quit smoking once and for all, a new study published by the British Journal of Psychiatry has some encouraging news.[1]

Many smokers fear that the act of quitting smoking will increase their stress levels; the catch-all soothing effect of nicotine is one of the primary reasons quitting smoking is so difficult.  Feelings of depression, anger and stress are all assuaged by the act of smoking.  Fortunately, while the initial withdrawal is sometimes extremely difficult, new evidence suggests that after six months of smoking abstention, overall anxiety levels reduce significantly.[2]

The study, which followed 500 smokers who were trying to quit, reported that the 68 who succeeded after six months felt a marked reduction in anxiety levels.  The reduction was more pronounced in former smokers that suffered from mood disorders and used cigarettes as a mood elevator, than those who smoked for pleasure.

Success is critical in anxiety reduction, however.  Those with mood disorders who failed to stop smoking after six months did suffer from increased stress levels.  Those without mood disorders did not report anxiety relapses.

We all know the dangers of smoking, and there is a constant stream of studies reporting new and increasingly risky side effects and medical complications from smoking.  If you are sincerely interested in stopping smoking for good, these tips might help to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms:

Start Slowly.  Eliminating cigarettes altogether without therapy or medical guidance can lead to relapse; 95 percent of people who quit cold turkey eventually go back to smoking. By consulting a physician, you may find that a medication or nicotine replacement therapy might help take the initial edge off.

Cut back on triggers.  If you smoke while drinking coffee or alcohol, try to avoid those beverages during the initial stages of quitting.  If you are used to having a cigarette after a meal, try substituting a different activity, such as chewing gum, sucking on a piece of hard candy or brushing your teeth.

Broadcast your goal.  Telling friends, family and coworkers can help give you the support you need to stick to your resolution.  Also, find a buddy who is also resolved to quit; talking to a friend going through the same thing can help alleviate the emotional withdrawal symptoms.  Oftentimes, the dread of censure from someone who knows you are trying to quit is enough to keep you on track!

By Michael Omidi

---

[1] Quitting Smoking Reduces Anxiety BBC News 1/1/2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20875453

[2] Gastaldo, Evan: Quitting Smoking Actually Reduces Anxiety Newser.com 1/2/2013 http://www.newser.com/story/160231/quitting-smoking-actually-reduces-anxiety.html

Life Expectancy Rises but So Does Rate of Chronic Disease

Recently the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation organized a study that examined the overall health statistics of the world over the last 20 years and made some interesting discoveries; one of which was the finding that life expectancy has risen around the world.

In the worldwide mortality study, published by the British publication the Lancet, it was found that there has been a sharp decline in the number of deaths around the world resulting from diseases such as tuberculosis and measles, as well as a decline in deaths as a result of malnutrition. More of the world’s population are also living longer with life expectancy for males increasing 11.1 years and life expectancy for females increasing 12.1 years from 1970 to 2010. In countries such as Paraguay and Brazil life expectancy has jumped from 28 in 1970 to 63 in 2010.

The study also found, however, that while less people are dying as a result of more treatable diseases, approximately 38% more individuals died as a result of cancer in 2010 compared to 1990. Chronic diseases such as cancer now account for roughly two-thirds of the deaths around the world.

Some other surprising findings was that the life expectancy of American women has fallen to 36th place in terms of global rankings, down 14 places in the past 20 years. In terms of high-income countries women in the United States saw the smallest gains in life expectancy.

Sub-Saharan Africa was the only region that showed to be the exception to the overall worldwide trends; approximately 70% of deaths in the region were due to infectious diseases, maternal causes of death, and childhood illnesses.

While this study involved health experts from over 300 institutions, it important to note that due to only about 15% of nations around the world (34 countries) producing quality cause-of-death data, it is difficult to a completely accurate or comprehensive data from studies.

Overall, this study does find that people are living longer and that is always a reason to celebrate.

By Michael Omidi

Dr. Michael Omidi Appreciates University High School’s Philanthropy Fair

The simple act of helping others in need doesn’t have to consume one’s life. Good deeds don’t even have to take an entire day’s effort as was recently proven by students of University High School who gathered sixteen different non-profit organizations together for a lunchtime philanthropy fair held on their Orange County, California campus. We appreciate this student effort, which also included the participation of Mercy House, an organization that Julian Omidi and I have supported and spotlighted through No More Poverty.

In less than one hour, as many as 500 students had committed to community service efforts that will directly benefit poor, disabled and disadvantaged people. The organizations that participated in the third annual event include those that operate local non-profit programs, as well as several that conduct a national charity effort. Some of the agencies that participated include the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, Kids Who Care and the National MS Society. Julian Omidi and I applaud all of these organizations for providing opportunities for young people to serve their communities. We were especially pleased to learn that an organization that we support, Mercy House, was also on hand to distribute information to University High School’s students.

Featured at NMP.org, Mercy House has helped hundreds of homeless individuals and families access shelter, as well as secure permanent housing. We appreciate that the students of University High School included MH in this event since the organization works so hard to address poverty and homelessness. In fact, since November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month, we’d like to take this moment to encourage everyone to take a closer look at Mercy House, as well as the other homeless organizations featured on No More Poverty’s site in order to learn about the plight of individuals who find themselves without reliable shelter and to learn how to help them.

The University High event, appropriately named ‘Count Me In’, is held every year in order to help raise awareness about the many needs of disadvantaged people living in Southern California and throughout the nation. During this event, students are offered information about how various organizations are addressing the unique needs of people who are facing issues like homelessness, terminal illness, physical disabilities and poverty, in general. Participants are also able to learn how their direct skills and interests can be paired with the outreach efforts of various organizations in order to best serve those in need. Students who are so moved to do so can also sign up to volunteer with these organizations during the lunchtime event.

No More Poverty appreciates seeing young people so enthusiastically support an event of this magnitude. We applaud every single one of the 500 students who signed up to volunteer their time to help others. At a time when young people are distracted by so many other social events and activities, Julian Omidi and I are impressed that these students are willing to take the time to contribute their energy and skills to programs that serve others.

The Orange County Register. “University High Holds Philanthropy Fair.” The Orange County Register. Orange County Register Communications, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ocregister.com/news/students-374788-community-irvine.html&gt;.

Michael Omidi Highlights the Benefits of Smoking Bans

Michael Omidi highlights recent studies that show that smoking bans have had positive impacts on health. According to these findings, discussed here by Michael Omidi, smoke-free laws have had significant benefits across state lines.

California was the first state to ban smoking in public places such as restaurants and bars in 1995 and since then 27 states have enacted statewide bans. Approximately 81.3% now live under a ban on smoking in workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars.

It seems as though these bans have had significant positive health effects according to recent studies. Specifically there are reductions that have been seen in risks regarding hospitalizations and heart attacks resulting from secondhand smoke.

One of the studies were performed by the Mayo Clinic and looked at the rate of heart attacks and cardiac arrests resulting in death that occurred in the 18 months preceding smoke-free laws and then the 18 months following the smoking bans being enacted. While the results were expected to a degree the findings still pointed out the effectiveness of these campaigns.

When looking at statistics for Olmsted County in Minnesota (with a population of about 150,000) heart attacks were seen to have fallen by 33% and sudden cardiac arrest fell by 17%. The study confirmed that exposure to smoke should be limited for everyone, but especially those that have heart disease.

Another study, published by Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, reviewed studies that looked at smoke-free laws across the United States and countries such as Germany and New Zealand. The study found that smoking bans could be associated with a 15% decrease in hospitalizations for heart attacks and a 16% drop in hospitalizations that were stroke-related. These laws also attributed to a “rapid” 24% reduction in hospitalizations caused by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory diseases.

The authors of both reports called for stricter laws to be enacted across all states in the U.S. to help improve health and reduce healthcare costs and expenses.

Sources:

Jaslow, Ryan. “Anti-smoking Laws Prevent Heart Attacks, Research Suggests.” CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 30 Oct. 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57542513/anti-smoking-laws-prevent-heart-attacks-research-suggests/&gt;.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_smoking_bans_in_the_United_States

Dr. Michael Omidi Discusses New Law Affecting the Homeless

Dr. Michael Omidi and his brother Julian Omidi are the founders of the organization No More Poverty, which seeks to end the ravages of poverty both in the United States and abroad by sponsoring like-minded charities. In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses a trend in many American cities to prevent homeless panhandling via the aggressive issuance of citations and arrests.

As someone who works to stop poverty and its causes, I was struck by a series of articles concerning America’s homeless population. It seems that many cities and counties all over the country have banned homeless panhandling, and are issuing citations to the homeless in increasing numbers. However, some homeless are fighting back, and suing the cities for violation of their free speech.

Panhandlers can be irritating and sometimes even dangerous. There have been cases where people using outdoor ATM machines have been harassed by forceful panhandlers, who lurk nearby and watch the customers withdraw money. But the ordinances have cut a broad swath across the spectrum of panhandling, and even homeless people who don’t solicit vocally but through use of signs are being targeted for write ups and arrest. For homeless people for whom panhandling is the only source of income, the citations are more than just a nuisance; they are seen as a measure to criminalize homelessness and drive the homeless population out of the city.

The ban on panhandling was a bid by many city commercial districts to lessen the number of homeless encampments near their businesses, which tended to drive customers away. Yet many officials are issuing citations to panhandlers who operate on or near roadways. Since the economic downturn of the last few years, the number of citations has gone up. Some city officials argue that the citation of aggressive panhandling is a reaction to complaints. Steve Ray Evans is a Utah homeless man who has brought lawsuits in many districts for violation of his first amendment rights. He has been successful in many cities, since legislators do not want to spend city funds fighting these suits. According to Mr. Evans in the New York Times:

“This is my only source of income.  I do it for survival purposes. I feel as though a lot of other individuals depend on it, too.”

Homelessness cannot be ended by harassment and handing out tickets. It is troubling that the underlying causes of homelessness are not being fully addressed by many states, cities and counties. My organization, No More Poverty, currently supports numerous charities that work tirelessly to provide resources for people that want to bring themselves out of homelessness.  Foundations such as Under the Bridges and on the Streets, Children of the Night and The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation work with the homeless to find solutions, and help them by giving them the tools they need to get the educations and the jobs that will allow them to support themselves and their families. Visit us at nmp.org to learn more about my brother Julian Omidi’s and my efforts to stop homelessness and its causes.

Sources:

Frosch, Dan “Homeless are Fighting Back Against Panhandling Bans” Nytimes.com

Romney, Lee “Arcata Panhandling Law Mostly Struck Down by Judge” Latimes.com http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/27/local/la-me-arcata-panhandling-20120927

Dr. Michael Omidi, MD Helps Out Dandelion Wishes

Dr. Michael Omidi, MD is cofounder of No More Poverty with his Brother Julian Omidi.  No More Poverty, an organization that works to end global poverty by sponsoring charities that already have poverty-ending initiatives in place, is currently promoting the works of Dandelion Wishes.  In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses the benefits of art therapy, which Dandelion Wishes uses for the spiritual and emotional uplifting of depressed communities.

While we have all heard of “the healing power of art,” did you know that there is substantial clinical evidence to suggest that the phrase is more than just an old wives’ tale?  An article published in the Journal of Psycho-Oncology reported a study conducted on 111 cancer patients who painted self-portraits, sculpted with clay and performed other artistic tasks.  It was found that the patients experienced a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, which resulted in improved sleep, lower levels of pain and increased quality of life.  The act of producing a work of art that isn’t constrained by a specific language or rigid form of expression has also proven to be beneficial to people who have suffered severe emotional trauma.  The psychological, physical, emotional and even spiritual benefits in creative expression are legion, and that is why a foundation like Dandelion Wishes is so important.  It is my hope that No More Poverty can help bring public awareness to Dandelion Wishes, which seeks to initiate social change and promote health, strength and empowerment through the employment of art classes and workshops.

One of the most important tasks in poverty reduction is convincing individuals in destitute communities that they are valuable and are capable of achievement.  Finding a channel through which anger, frustration, hatred and despair can be funneled in a healthy and productive way is crucial to initiating positive community growth and development.  Art therapy gives victims of crime, abuse, drug addiction and poverty a form of expression that allows them to open their awareness to a positive way of thinking, and a positive way of life.

Lesley Gunn, founder of Dandelion Wishes, began her mission in 2010 after having undergone her own emotional catharsis while using art as a therapeutic agent. “My passion is being able to share my personal trials and triumphs with my means of healing through creative expression and art,” she says.  “Helping others to find hope inside themselves is incredibly rewarding.”

People who have participated in art workshops with Dandelion Wishes have found the services invaluable.  One participant wrote: “It was a wonderful experience that brought a lot of peace.  I realized I still carry the loss of those I have lost in my heart.  In each of my paintings they are all around me.”

Dandelion Wishes has provided outreach to juvenile detention centers, hospitals, foster families, trauma victims and impoverished communities in Kenya and Nicaragua.  Currently, Dandelion Wishes is raising funds to provide workshops for the San Bernadino Juvenile Detention Center and Sylvia’s Serenity Sober Living Homes.  No More Poverty is honored to be a part of supporting the great work of Dandelion wishes, which will hopefully continue to provide a creative outlet for people in need for many years to come.  If you are interested in learning more about Dandelion Wishes and other charities sponsored by No More Poverty, then please visit nmp.org.

Dr. Michael Omidi MD cofounder of No More Poverty Supports Jessica’s Hope Foundation

Dr. Michael Omidi MD, along with his brother Julian Omidi, is cofounder of No More Poverty, an organization promoting the works of charities that strive to end poverty and the conditions that cause poverty both in the U. S. and abroad.  In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses the Omidi brothers’ sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project, a foundation that sends healthy care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas.

We have all, at one point or another, had to work when we weren’t at our physical or mental peak; we were sick, exhausted or just lacked motivation.  Now, imagine working in conditions of extreme stress for 12 and sometimes 14 hour shifts, where you might have to carry 50lbs of body armor in extreme desert heat.  These are the conditions in which our soldiers often find themselves, and being run down or unfocused might cause injury or even death.  Our foundation, No More Poverty, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project; an organization that strives to keep our soldiers at their strongest and healthiest.

Jessica’s Hope project began when its founder, Jessica Maddin, read an article that reported the health statistics of U.S. Marines.  It stated that the average serviceman or woman would likely lose approximately 40lbs in body weight during deployment.  This is due, in part, to the rigid fitness standards to which soldiers must adhere, but also, unfortunately, to caloric deprivation.  It is not uncommon for a soldier on a mission to have to rely on only the sustenance of his or her field rations, and these are frequently insubstantial.  In order to maintain muscle mass and brain function, an active person must consume an adequate amount of calories and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fats.  If not, then that person will likely suffer from symptoms of malnutrition, which are generally fatigue and dizziness, two conditions that can put a soldier at grave risk.

Jessica decided to write to the CEO of 24-Hour Fitness, where she worked as a receptionist, and ask for donations of health supplements.  Several days later, she received $17,000 worth of protein bars, muscle milk powder, vitamins and nutritional supplements.  Working in her grandmother’s living room, she packed individual boxes of health supplies and shipped them to the servicemen and women in all branches of the U.S. military.

These healthy care packages were a huge hit.  The soldiers did receive care packages from loved ones, but they were typically filled with candies, chips, chewing gum and other snacks that they missed, but would not sustain them on their grueling work days.  Soon, Jessica’s Hope Project was flooded with letters and emails thanking her for the much needed and thoughtful items.

To date, Jessica’s Hope Project has mailed more than one thousand healthy care packages, and with the help of No More Poverty, will continue to send more.

Michael Omidi, MD – Picture

 

Michael Omidi, MD – In Vietnam With Interplast