Too many people have died from smoking-related illnesses in the past 50 years. But there is good news: quitting smoking starts the healing process and immediately begins to reduce the risks of smoking-related disease.

Cocaine overdoses can often end up in heart attacks. But long-term habitual cocaine use can also change the structure of the heart to set it up for a heart attack not from an overdose.

Lighting up in a restaurant or a bar affects more than your own lungs. The secondhand smoke is inhaled by those around you as well — unless you live in an area with smoke-free legislation.

Heavy drinking can cause all sorts of health problems—higher risk for central brain bleeds among them. Why take the risk? Moderate drinking does not cause the same trouble.

Smoking habits can have a number of adverse health effects. There is good news—when you finally quit smoking, you may also reduce the chances of life-threatening brain bleeds.

Not smoking after a stroke should be a no-brainer...but quitting smoking is tough, even after a stroke. Smoking cessation plans, support and medication could help.

Hypertension, diabetes and smoking  are known to increase your chances for stroke. A new study shows they can also be factors in developing cognitive problems later in life, even among patients who have never experienced a stroke.

After a stroke some patients may find it easier to quit smoking. There may be a good reason for that. Smokers who intended to stop prior to the stroke and those who have a particular area of their brain damaged by stroke are more likely to quit.

Smokers aren't just at an added risk for strokes. They're at risk at risk for having them up to a decade earlier than those who don't smoke.

Working vigorously to reduce cardiovascular deaths, U.S. health officials have announced a national program that partners with private insurance companies to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes over five years.