Don't be passive about SHS

There are some things you don't want secondhand, inhaling someone else's tobacco smoke is mostly likely one of them.

Secondhand smoking (SHS), sometimes referred to as passive smoking, is a health risk to those who smoke and those who don't.  

Children, pregnant women and the partners of people who smoke are most vulnerable.  It increases their risk for respiratory illness, middle ear disease, asthma, SIDS, lung cancer and coronary heart disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

It's unlawful in Queensland smoke in a vehicle where children under 16 are present.  

If you are with someone who is a smoker and they are unwilling to quit, there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to SHS.

• Make your home and car smoke-free
• Avoid taking children to outdoor areas where people are smoking
• Make sure people who look after your children provide a smoke-free environment

Need help quitting? 

See your doctor or local  pharmacist.  Alternatively call QUIITLINE on 13 78 48.

[Image courtesy of mack2happy/FreeDigitalPhotos.net]

Don't like the word "counselling"?

Neither does Allan Renouf, programs manager at Gallang Place,  a unique community organisation in inner-city Brisbane set up to address special social and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

He prefers to call the work they do as yarning.

"Traditionally we would go to our elders if we had an issue we needed to work through," he told Stayin' Strong.

"It's important to sit and listen to try and understand and respect our people's issues and just be there for them and support them."

Contact Gallang Place on 3844 2283 or drop by their office (pictured above) on 31 Thomas Street, West End.  

How much water should you drink?  

There are a lot of views on how much, but most health professionals will probably tell you eight glasses a day.

But why are there differing viewpoints in the first place?

Kate Deppler, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia says it may have to with meeting individual needs.

"Your daily fluid intake really depends on a variety of factors," she says.

"Age, gender, it depends on your climate and activity level."

Stay hydrated

Lack of fluids can cause you to feel tired and to not think properly. Not drinking enough water can also increase your risk of kidney stones and in women, urinary tract infections.

Dehydration signs

• Headaches
• Lethargy
• Mood swings
• Dry nasal passages 
• Dry or cracked lips
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

In an emergency always dial 000

The Stayin' Strong project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.  Read more.