Though it is common knowledge that nonsmokers have a longer life expectancy and much lower risk for some health issues like emphysema and lung cancer, being a nonsmoker has additional benefits.

In regards to recovery from surgery, patients who smoke or have only recently quit smoking are more likely to have an extended hospital stay, possible readmission and a higher likelihood for complications.

The study found, however, that patients who had only quit smoking eight weeks before surgery, such as a facelift or liposuction, experienced no health benefits when it came to surgical recovery. The researchers said that these results are not conclusive, though, and said further research needs to be done.

The President has issued a proclamation declaring this week “Women’s Health Week.”  In an official Whitehouse press release, goals were outlined by Mr. Obama that he says will help “break existing barriers” and “improve the health of American women for generations to come.”

Some guidelines include advice to:

• Lead healthy lives and set an example for young people.
• Take advantage of preventive care with routine screenings and checkups.
• Emphasize the role of women in promoting the vitality of our children and communities.
• Remember the simple everyday steps like using sunscreen, exercising regularly, and eating healthy.

Online resources were also cited for promoting the goals of women’s health week, including the Whitehouse Council on Women and Girls, womenshealth.gov, and girlshealth.gov.

If you’re reading this, you probably care a great deal about your appearance and health, so maybe you are motivated to make the time for 60 minutes of exercise every day. However, most people don’t think visiting the health club for an hour every day is very practical, nor is it exciting; so how can we put this advice into practice?

1. Get 30 minutes of high intensity exercise rather than 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. If you’re able, push yourself harder and burn those calories faster.

2. Gain some muscle with strength training and you’ll burn more fat. Try the kettlebells.

3. Don’t drive to the health club; bicycle or run there. It provides a great pre-workout warmup and adds a few extra minutes of exercise before and after your gym time.

4. Stop searching for that perfect parking spot. Park at the outer edge of the lot and walk.

5. Ask your boss about implementing a workplace fitness program. You may want to mention the surgeon general’s 2010 recommendation to promote healthier work sites. (Tell the co-workers to stop bringing all those cookies and donuts too.)

6. Know the difference between performance and appearance. When you evaluate your fitness and health achievements, it’s easy to focus solely on body weight and areas of excess fat. If you are faster or stronger, congratulate yourself and remember there are ways to enhance body appearance when nothing else works.

7. Exercise should be fun. If your current routine feels like pulling teeth, try something new and always try to keep an upbeat, positive attitude.

Patients who are interested in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery first go through a sort of ‘lifestyle makeover,’ modifying their habits until they have reached a satisfactory state of health. At Edds Cosmetic Surgery, we want our patients to have the best experience and outcome possible, so we ask them to focus on this first. The ideal patient refrains from smoking or using illegal drugs, has a stable weight, and realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery.

Contact us for a consultation and we can provide more specific information on health and surgery outcomes.