Tales of old spoke of Santa smoking a pipe, but I'm sure that is no longer the case. If it were, I would have spotted the following headline in my local paper under support groups:
"Moms Against Santa Smoking"
Can you hear their voices? Moms of kids, especially moms of kids with lung problems like asthma outraged. Not to speak of the litigation risk. And Mrs. Claus would be so disappointed if secondhand smoke harmed the elves voices. No... I'm sure Santa no longer smokes a pipe. But he could still be at risk for lung cancer. Why?
Even with careful detective work, I was unable to determine if Santa has tested his residence at the North Pole for radon. And radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. I checked out the radon map zone, a map that shows regions at greatest risk. But...no North Pole.
And I found nothing to indicate he has been instructed in occupational health standards for navigating chimneys. Wood smoke is a risk factor for lung cancer. Has Santa been instructed in the occupational risk factors for lung cancer and on when to wear a special mask or respirator, or is his employer being negligent?
OK. I am a glass half-full person, so I have to admit Santa is definitely doing one very important thing to lower his risk of developing lung cancer. Exercise, even moderate exercise makes a difference in lung cancer risk, and walking through the living room of every home in the world in a night would probably meet the mark.
There is much more I could write, but our About.com Guide for COPD, Deborah Leader covers the bases on keeping Santa healthy with this great article. Check it out (and remember, many of the factors that contribute to COPD also contribute to lung cancer and other conditions):
Photo: istockphoto.com
I never knew that about wood burning, but I have had bad lung reactions sitting by fireplaces burning wood for years. This will make me think twice about it.
Guess we are creating a more health-conscious Santa.
I know what you are talking about Laura, having experienced the same. And I absolutely love wood burning fireplaces! Researching cancer prevention, and reading our Guide to COPD’s article about wood burning has caused me to reconsider – and look into the cost of turning my wood burning fireplaces into gas fireplaces. Hey – that’s a great idea for a holiday gift for me if anyone is interested…. Hint…