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Quit Smoking and Live Again!
If you're thinking of quitting smoking, there are literally hundreds of very good reasons for you to take that step.
The fact that you're considering it means you've seen a change in yourself. Perhaps you can't breath as deeply or walk so far without getting winded. Perhaps you're just tired of paying astronomical prices for cigarettes – a cost that keeps going up every year.
If you haven't already thought of some good reasons to quit smoking, then read on!
Let's start with more superficial reasons.
There was a time when cigarette smoking seemed cool and chic. But really, take a look at pictures of people smoking and look at other smokers around you. There's really nothing attractive about it. Worse, it leaves a terrible smell in your hair and on your clothing. Over time, smoking can yellow your teeth, cause gum problems, and even contribute to pre-mature aging. So if you want a dazzling smile and to keep that young skin healthy and vibrant, it's time to put that cigarette out for good.
Another reason to consider stopping is the health of those in and around your living and working spaces.
There's no question that second hand smoke can have an adverse affect on partners, children and pets. Children who grow up in smoking households are much more liable to develop asthma and colds, for example. And for you animal lovers out there, animals have been used as test subjects in smoking related research. If you don't want to contribute to that… stop smoking.
From a health and wellness perspective, the case against smoking is staggering.
It's a fact that cigarettes have over 3,000 chemicals of which over 50 are carcinogenic. Among the lovely ingredient list we find things like Hydrogen cyanide – a rat poison, Nicotine – an addictive substance used in insecticide, and Hydrazine – a component in rocket fuel. With this in mind, it's no wonder that over 400,000 people die from smoking related diseases every year. Those diseases include various cancers, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. The minute you stop smoking you say "no" to cigarette's slow-death, and "yes" to a longer, healthier life.
No smoker is a stranger to the common negative effects that nicotine and tobacco present. There are a lot of lesser known side effects to smoking of which many people are not aware, however.
Did you know that smoking causes:
- Sleep disorders. Your body may crave nicotine during sleep, which interrupts sleep patterns.
- Increased bone loss in women (about 1.5% for every five years smoking)
- Greater risk of hearing loss (upward of 70 percent more)
- Poor circulation (if you don't like cold feet or hands, quitting helps)
- Improved risk of heart defects for women using birth control.
- Decreases your sense of taste (i.e. food won't seem as rich and enjoyable)
- Faster graying or hair loss, especially in men (by an average of 4 times!).
- Teeth and gum decay
- Slower healing times than non-smokers
- Low birth weight and SIDS in pregnant women
- Lower sperm count in men (and sometimes even erectile disfunction)
And that's really just the tip of the iceberg.
The problem, at the heart of it all, is that smoking is so addictive. You need to be ready to quit smoking, and possibly find some assistance (like nicotine therapy) to embrace this life change wholeheartedly and successfully.
This brings us to perhaps the most important reason to quit smoking – and that's the reason that's important to YOU. Each person is unique. Your motivation is likewise unique. For some, they'll want to quit to be around for the grandchildren. For others, they want to feel better and become active again. Whatever your reasons, have them firm in your mind on that very first day and every day thereafter.
Many people fear withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. That's normal. Studies show that the first four weeks of quitting is the time during which most people have symptoms ranging from restlessness and cravings to irritability and hunger. If you prepare for these ahead of time, you'll get through the symptoms in a more positive fashion. For example, get rid of snacks in the house that might tempt you and have healthy snacks instead (like raw vegetables that also help with the oral fixation surrounding cigarette smoking).
It's worth it!
Need help to make it "over the hump"? Here's some encouraging facts:
Within 8 hours of your last cigarette, the carbon monoxide and nicotine in your blood is halved. You're already improving your circulation. After one full day they're both gone from your body! Within three months your breathing should be much easier, and after a year you've dropped your risk of a heart attack to 1/2 that of a smoker.
And that's only the beginning. Quit smoking today and start living a healthy life again.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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