Dr. Jeremy London Highlights Risks on The Mel Robbins Podcast
A cardiovascular surgeon known for his extensive experience, Dr. Jeremy London, recently discussed what he calls the “worst habit” that harms all organs during an episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast. With over 25 years of practice and a substantial following on Instagram, where he shares educational content, he has established himself in the medical community.
When asked about the one thing he strictly avoids as a surgeon, Dr. London was clear: smoking. He pointed out the severe risks associated with this common habit.
The conversation unfolded with the host inquiring, “As a heart surgeon, what do you completely steer clear of?” To which Dr. London decisively responded, “Smoking is top of the list.”
“I honestly can’t think of anything else that can inflict damage on every organ in the body like smoking does,” Dr. London elaborated. He acknowledged the addictive nature of cigarettes and expressed understanding, noting, “I know how tough it is. I deal with chronic smokers regularly.” Nevertheless, he insisted it remains “the single most dangerous thing you can do for your health.” He continued, mentioning the strong correlation with lung cancer among other health issues, emphasizing that it could top his list of health risks.
Smoking poses risks for various health conditions as outlined by NHS Better Health, which includes heart disease, different types of cancer, vision loss, dementia, and hypertension. However, there’s a silver lining: quitting smoking allows the body to begin healing almost immediately. For instance, within just 20 minutes, pulse rates normalize, and after eight hours, harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide significantly reduce.
The NHS further highlights that after ten years of not smoking, a person’s risk of dying from lung cancer drops to half that of someone who still smokes.
Support is widely available for those looking to quit. The NHS states that local stop smoking services are free and can greatly enhance the chances of successfully quitting. These services, staffed by knowledgeable advisers, offer various methods and professional assistance during the initial stages of quitting.
They can also guide individuals toward accessible smoking cessation treatments, including nicotine replacement therapies and medications like bupropion. More details can be found on the NHS website.
