Repairs for former marijuana smokers

Marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke, plus high levels of an enzyme that converts certain smoke components into their most potent, cancer-causing forms. The following guidelines will help you live a healthy lifestyle after being a marijuana smoker.

Combined with the fact that marijuana smokers inhale more deeply and hold smoke in their lungs longer than cigarette smoke means that regular pot-smokers may have an even higher risk for lung cancer than former cigarette-smokers.

But that's not all. Researchers at Canada's McGill University have found that long-term cannabis-smokers lose molecules called CB1 receptors in blood vessels inside the brain. This can lead to reduced blood flow and to memory and concentration problems, long after you've stopped smoking. It may also double or even triple your risk for cancers of the head and neck, according to a study that compared the health histories of 173 cancer patients and 176 people who were cancer-free.

There are no studies that show the long-term health effects of a short-lived marijuana habit. But healthy living, including avoiding all forms of smoke, likely will reduce what lingering damage your youthful indiscretion caused.

You can work toward having a much lower chance of stroke and cancer.

Don't smoke cigarettes.Just because tobacco is legal and marijuana isn't doesn't make it healthier. As noted, nothing is worse for your health than a smoking habit of any kind.

Eat well. diet packed with fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help cut your risk for stroke — and may help lower your risk for lung and other cancers.

Passive smoking is risky for the lungs of former cigarette-smokers. The same goes for former marijuana-smokers, too.

Make regular appointments with your doctor so you stay up-to-date with blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

Tell your doctor right away if you have persistent coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain.