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Staying Healthy » Smoking - Quit Smoking
QUIT SMOKING
Cigarette
contains chemicals such as tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine. The prime ingredients,
tar and carbon monoxide are instigators of cardiovascular diseases and lung ailments.
The cigarette's third main component, nicotine, affects the heart, lungs and stomach.
There is definite evidence that this chemical effects the brain adversely in various
ways.
Effects of Smoking
Smoking and tobacco-related health complications are the
single largest cause of preventable, premature death. Estimates are clearing
that cigarettes are responsible for over 400,000 deaths each year. Smoking causes
a significant increase in the risk for cancer (lung, larynx, esophagus), chronic
bronchitis, and emphysema as well as diseases of the heart and coronary arteries.
In addition, smoking is a major contributory factor in the development of
many other cancers. |
Beware.... |
A
smoke can cost the life of a loved one. |
Prolonged 'Passive Smoking' is known to cause lung cancer in a 'non-smoker'. |
Stop Smoking, don't delay
it... |
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Chewing tobacco and using snuff also dramatically increase your risk for cancers of the mouth and throat. A smokers baby is more likely to be a victim of cot death and, in childhood, suffers more respiratory infections, glue ear and asthma. |
Smokers can successfully quit if they understand how to deal with their nicotine addiction, learn a relaxation technique to cope with their stress, get support from health professionals, family and friends and are able to change the behaviour and habits that are associated with smoking. Most long-term smokers are addicted to nicotine and will experience a craving to smoke and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop smoking. Such individuals find it very difficult to give up their smoking habit. They, with the help of health professionals can make use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to quit smoking. But the majority of smokers can give up without any help from health professionals or drug therapy
| Prepare mentally before you stop smoking and understand what to expect. Make a resolution to give up smoking. Think about why you want to quit and the benefits of quitting. Set a definite time to quit.Let it be today not the next day! Think ahead, how you are going to cope with craving or withdrawal symptoms you may experience. Visualise a change in your usual routine to avoid temptation and high-risk situations. Get all the support you can, from your loved ones. Understand that breaking habits take time and need regular practice. Be aware that there will be a constant temptation to go back and chances of a relapse. Think about the effort
that has already been put in and don't look back. |
When you feel a craving to smoke... |
Call or e-mail a friend Go for a brisk walk Take a hot bath or shower Chew on something or eat a healthy snack Drink a glass of water or milk Go to the gym or the pool. Avoid such situations and certain people, who give you a temptation to smoke Go for a play or sporting event Buy a bouquet of flowers and really enjoy their fragrance Throw out all the reminders of cigarettes, especially lighters and ashtrays. |
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The good news is that once you quit, your body
begins healing itself almost immediately. This includes a reduction in your risk
for cancer, heart attack, and stroke. If you also begin exercising and eating
better, the improvements will be even more dramatic. There are many benefits of
quitting smoke like more stamina for work and play, Whiter teeth and fresher breath,
Decreasing risk of serious illnesses and saving your money.
The longer
you don't use tobacco, the more your confidence will grow and the less likely
you are to slip back to your old habits...
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Note : All statements given are only for information purpose. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information on this site. We suggest that you consult a qualified doctor before trying any alternative health care remedies.
