President's Corner

A few weeks ago while the whole world watched, the first miner was rescued from the Chilean mine where 33 men had been trapped for two months. Perseverance and tremendous effort made this historic rescue a present-day miracle. We continue to hope for the best outcome for these men, as their mental and physical health is of great concern.

One CNN live report focusing on the health of the miners pointed out that one miner had what is commonly referred to as the “black lung,” a condition that develops as a result of long exposure to coal dust, similar to the long-term effects of tobacco smoking. The reporter went on to say that at least 14 of the miners who were trapped were smokers.

As a former smoker myself, I could not help but imagine what these men were going through. As I hoped for the miners’ safe rescue, I also instinctively wondered how these miners who smoked had dealt with their considerable stress from being trapped in conjunction with simultaneous nicotine withdrawal.

A subsequent CNN story reported that nicotine patches were sent down to two of the miners who smoked. Later, apparently some of the miners requested cigarettes, and so they each received a ration of 11 cigarettes. The smokers had to hike a long way to the hottest part of the mine to separate themselves from their non-smoking co-workers.

Although the miners now face numerous issues related to their readjustment, including considerable weight loss and the strains associated with their two month entrapment, I can’t help but hope that the medical professionals who initially sent down nicotine patches are the same ones now tending to these rescued men. As they saw the light of day and took their first few breaths of fresh air, my wish for them is to take this opportunity to stay smoke-free, adding years back to their lives that were at such risk just weeks ago.