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Healthy Aging By Sharon Johnson It's never too late to stop smoking I am fortunate - blessed - to have a father-in-law who hugs me exactly the same way he does his own daughters and praises my cooking even when it is not deserved. He is a good-hearted man who has led a long and satisfying life, filled with countless small adventures. A man with few vices - save one. For years, my father-in-law was addicted to cigarettes. He started smoking at age 13 and continued for more than 60 years. As a young man, the income to support his family came from his job selling Philip Morris cigarettes. He often tells the story, "On my very first day of work, my boss said to me, 'I never want to see you without a cigarette in your hand.' " Bert obliged. At a point much later in his life, when his breathing became shallow and raspy and his skin turned a grayish color, his nonsmoking sons said "Enough." They faxed his doctor: "Smoking is killing him. Tell him he must stop. Maybe he'll listen to you." The doctor did tell him to stop. And Bert did stop. At the age of 73, he became a nonsmoker. Twelve years later, he still flashes the final nicotine patch (which he keeps pasted in his wallet) like a badge of honor. At 85, his breathing is labored at times, and his ability to walk comfortably for more than a few feet is gone forever, but hallelujah, he is a nonsmoker. Bert Johnson is just plain lucky. After a lifetime of smoking, he is not dead. And he is not ill. But he is not healthy either. He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specifically, he has one form of the disease, emphysema. Smoking is the No. 1 cause of this condition. COPD is a group of lung diseases that limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. The result is you cough, wheeze and feel short of breath. When Bert is tired or stressed, he makes little desperate whirling sounds. He uses a metered-dose inhaler, a pressurized sprayer that delivers a measured amount of medication to his lungs. He does not use oxygen, although at times it seems like he needs it. Bert has become a master of pursed-lip breathing. He puckers his lips and pretends he is blowing out a candle. I have observed that there is a technique to this type of measured breathing. Always exhale longer than you inhale. Empty your lungs as long as possible. Never hold your breath. It is strangely analogous to smoking. My beloved father-in-law has a condition that is irreversible and likely to worsen. Because of it, his quality of life is reduced. And his medical costs are increased. Risky behavior came home to roost. The message is clear. Never start smoking. If you do start, stop. It is that simple - and that complicated. Don't cut back. Don't change brands. Don't steal a smoke when you think no one is watching. It usually ends up that someone is watching. And that someone may be a grandson who idolizes you or a granddaughter who uses your behavior as a justification for her own. Someone is always watching. Stop smoking. It is never too early. Never too late. Sharon Johnson is an assistant professor in family and community development at OSU Extension and a member of the Senior Advisory Council. Reach her at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.