Sep 16, 2026

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Smoke or Vape When Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers real health benefits for you and your baby, and it stays encouraged even if you use nicotine or tobacco while you work toward cutting back or quitting. This article explains how nicotine passes into breast milk, the risks of secondhand and thirdhand smoke for babies and simple steps to reduce your baby's exposure. You'll also learn how Ochsner's free Smoking Cessation program offers one-on-one support to help you quit when you're ready.

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 9, 2026

Can Smoking or Vaping Damage Your Eyes?

Most people know smoking and vaping harm the lungs and heart, but far fewer realize these habits also threaten your eyes. Nicotine reduces blood flow, triggers inflammation and damages delicate eye tissue, raising your risk for serious vision problems over time. The good news: quitting helps protect the vision you have and lowers your risk of future damage, and regular eye exams can catch changes early. Read the full guide to learn the warning signs and how to take the next step toward healthier eyes.

By Wendy Detiveaux, CCTS, CPAHA-TT

Prevention & Wellness

Mar 9, 2026

Does Smoking Really Affect Surgery?

Learn how nicotine impacts your surgery, the risks of smoking before a procedure and how quitting helps you heal faster and safely.

By Debra Taylor and Joy Melerine

Woman on spin cycle with phone and water

Health Trends

Jan 16, 2026

9 Health Apps to Keep Your 2026 New Year’s Resolution

Ready to achieve your New Year’s resolution? Discover doctor-approved health apps for diet, fitness and wellness to help you reach your goals this year.

By Ashley Balser

Health Trends

Nov 19, 2025

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines: 5 Facts You Should Know

Screening for high-risk patients can dramatically improve lung cancer survival rates.

By Susan Gunn, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 11, 2025

4 Things To Know About Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Who's at Risk?

Lung cancer generally does not have symptoms until it has spread, which is why screening and early detection are especially important for this type of cancer.

By Burke J. Brooks, MD

Food & Fitness

Jul 11, 2025

What Foods Can Help Smokers Quit?

Discover nutritional tips to ease nicotine withdrawal, curb cravings and boost your mood while quitting smoking. Learn how the right foods can support your journey to a healthier, smoke-free life.

By Lindsey Casse, RRT, CTTS, CPAHA

Prevention & Wellness

May 30, 2025

How Did My Smoking Habit Become an Addiction?

Discover how smoking habits develop into addiction, why nicotine makes quitting so hard, and actionable steps to quit smoking for good.

By Lindsey Casse, RRT, CTTS, CPAHA

Group of people exercising and jumping outside

Food & Fitness

Mar 20, 2025

6 Top Ways Exercise Can Help You Quit Smoking

Discover how exercise can curb cravings, reduce stress and combat weight gain when trying to quit smoking. Learn tips for starting a healthy routine today.

By Lindsey Casse, RRT, CTTS, CPAHA

A person breaking a cigarette into two pieces

Conditions & Treatment

Feb 12, 2025

Best Ways to Quit Smoking: Try Our Free Program

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried to quit smoking or if you’ve tried many times, Ochsner’s smoking cessation program can help you quit for good.

By Tresser Batiste

image of feet on bike pedals while riding outdoors

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 5, 2024

Best Steps To Follow To Quit Smoking for Good

Tobacco cessation specialists can help you successfully quit smoking.

By Sheri Porter, NP, CTTS

woman looking at forehead wrinkles in mirror

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 9, 2023

Top Reasons Why Smoking Causes Wrinkles and Affects the Skin

Smoking can significantly affect your body's largest organ – your skin. Learn how the toxins present in tobacco can lead to premature wrinkles.

elderly man and woman walking dogs, participating in healthy activities to lower cancer risk

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 12, 2023

What Caused My Cancer? Lifestyle, Genes or Just Bad Luck?

At least half of all cancers are lifestyle-related. Knowing your family history and following screening guidelines can help detect your cancer early.

By Burke J. Brooks, MD

Woman who quit smoking with Ochsner's program

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 14, 2023

She Smoked 2 Packs a Day for 60 Years and Quit with Ochsner's Program

Ochsner Health can help smokers kick the habit with tobacco cessation services from locations conveniently located throughout the Gulf Coast.

Conditions & Treatment

Apr 13, 2023

5 of the Best Ways to Live Well with Chronic Pain

Did you know smokers have higher pain scores than nonsmokers? Chronic pain can be improved by lifestyle changes.

Prevention & Wellness

Jun 23, 2021

Smoking While Pregnant: Learn the Facts

One of 10 pregnant women smoke, adding up to 500,000 babies per year whose health could be negatively affected.

By Gregory Morris, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 15, 2021

What is the Deadliest Cancer for Women?

The most significant cause of lung cancer is smoking, the American Lung Association reports. Eighty percent of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking. Women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who never smoked.

By Brian L. Pettiford, MD, FACS