Photos of Lou Turco's brother (two are actually kinda cute)

It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to visit the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada's Great Colon exhibit, running until Thursday at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury. Algoma Public Health has set up a lot of very informative displays around the big colon, including one that uses APRIL® (Age Progression Image Launcher) software to show visitors how their face will change with age, specifically depicting what they will look like at age 72 if they smoke or get too much sun.

Mario Turco, director of education at the Algoma District School Board, had his picture taken at the APRIL® booth.

If these dramatic images don't convince you to stay out of the sun and to give up tobacco, we're not sure anything will. You can have your own picture taken and digitally aged at the Giant Colon exhibit, which continues until 8 p.m. tonight and Wednesday, and until 3 p.m. on Thursday. Note, however, that on Thursday, they'll be closing the APRIL® booth at noon.

********************** Tobacco control: frequently asked questions

What are the health effects of using tobacco?

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario, and is known to cause a number of chronic diseases including:

- Cancers of many types: lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, kidney, bladder, breast, stomach, liver and cervix.

- Heart disease and stroke. - Lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. - Osteoporosis.

- Pneumonia.

- High blood pressure.

Are there really 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke?

Yes, it is estimated that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and at least 50 of them are known to cause cancer. Most of the toxic chemicals of cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, are created when tobacco burns. Others such as lead and nicotine are found naturally in unburned tobacco but are released as it burns. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas formed when tobacco is burned and can lower the amount of oxygen carried in your blood. Nicotine is an addictive drug that affects the brain and nervous system and increases heart rate and breathing.

What’s the best way to quit smoking?

Most people quitting for the first time try to do it on their own (also known as “cold turkey”). While this method may work for some people, there are many other options available, such as self-help pamphlets, booklets and online programs that can help you develop your own quit plan. You may want to talk to a health professional who can work with you to develop the skills you need to quit, through one-on-one, group, or over the phone/online counselling. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is considered an effective treatment with few side effects. NRT may help control withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and is available as a patch, chewing gum or inhaler. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before using NRT if you suffer from heart disease, are pregnant or are on psychiatric medication. Finally, medical professionals can advise you on other treatments that lessen nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. I want to quit smoking. What can I do and where can I go for help?

You may find it helpful to develop your own quit plan. Here are a few steps to get you started:

- Understand why you smoke.

- Pick a date.

- Get support (ie. family, friends, health care provider, counseling).

- Get self-help information.

- Prepare for withdrawal.

- Ask about medication – nicotine replacement therapy (ie. patch, gum, inhaler, lozenge, Zyban, Champix)

************************* Using sun sense: get informed and shake the bake!

Summer is coming.

Nobody wants to stay indoors when the sun is shining.

So, when you’re outside use a little sun sense to protect yourself and your family.

It is possible to enjoy healthy outdoor activities while in the sun.

Sun Sense should be practiced by everyone!

Here is what you can do.

- Limit your sun exposure when the UV levels are high—between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Find or create some shade—use a hat or umbrella.

- Slip on clothing to cover your arms and legs. It’s cool not to burn!

- Wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher—don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or exercise that makes your perspire.

- Keep babies under one year out of the direct sun. Their skin is very sensitive and can burn easily.

- Tanning parlours and sunlamps are not a safe way to tan. Just like the sun, tanning lights and sun lamps emit ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn, aging skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

- Wear sunglasses to prevent damage to your eyes.

- Check your skin regularly to get to know your skin. See your doctor right away if you notice any changes.

- Beat the heat! When the temperature soars, do not let your body overheat. Water, water and more water will be your best friend.

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