Smoking, an evil, disgusting habit right? That may be the physical reality however, have you considered why people smoke in the first place? If it is so bad for us, we must get some pleasureable satisfaction from the experience, no matter how brief or insignificant. For example, smoking has been known to provide moments of emotional as well as oral pleasure, reward, and a way to measure time "Frequently the burning down of a cigarette functions psychologically as a time indicator. A smoker waiting for someone who is late says to himself, ' Now I'll smoke one more cigarette, and then I am off.' One person explained, ' It is much easier to watch a cigarette get smaller and smaller than to keep watching a clock and look at the hands dragging along.'.
It is social, relaxing and at times portrays a romanticism that we all long for.
So, why quit?
Well, for starters:
One-third of cancer deaths could be prevented if people avoided tobacco.
Smokers who quit can add up to 8 years onto their lives.
If you smoke a pack a day, you could save more that $1,800 a year just by quitting. (Based on the 2009 nationwide average of $5 pack, not including taxes)
We are surrounded by the negative statistics telling us the reasons for quitting and sometimes people feel well, it is too late so...light up! Have you ever stopped to realize the benefits of quitting?
Effects of quitting after:
20 minutes - Blood pressure drops to a level close to that before you had your last cigarette. Temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.
8 Hours - Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal.
24 Hours - Your chance of a heart attack decreases.
2 weeks to 3 months - Circulation improves. Your lung function increases up to 30%
1 to 9 months - Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.
1 year - Your chance of having a heart attack is cut in half.
5 years - Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker's 5-15 years after quitting.
10 years - Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a continuing smoker's; risks of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophogus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease.
15 years - Your risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.
5 Tips to Help You Quit Smoking:
1. Nicotine replacement therapy of which there are 4 types - gum, patches, nasal sprays and inhalers. These will help to cut down of withdrawal symptoms and craving. Each works differently. Patches are available without a prescription at your local drug store. You will need a doctor's prescription for nasal spray or inhalers. These methods work best when used in conjunction with classes or other forms of behavior modification.
2. Non-Nicotine Medication. There are prescription medications, antidepressants, which when prescribed appropriately may affect the chemicals in the brain thereby decreasing withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your PCP of Psychiatrist before taking such medications.
3. Acupuncture. By using thin needles placed at special points on the body, acupuncture helps decrease stress, anxiety, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The effects of acupunture may improve when used with other methods such as quit smoking classes and hypnosis.
4. Hypnosis. This technique is utilized to help change your behavior patterns. May be more effective when used with other methods such as the other nicotine replacement therapies mentioned earlier.
5. Quit smoking classes and support groups. These classes and groups can help you learn how to quit. They may help you to change habits, offer suggestions for dealing with physical withdrawal and offer better skills for managing stress and anxiety.
And Last But Not Least The Top Ten Benefits To Quitting Smoking:
10. You can save lots of money
9. You can have sweeter breath, whiter teeth and fresher smelling clothes and hair.
8. Your food can taste better and...you might get a few more kisses!
7. No more standing outside on cold, rainy days to have a smoke.
6. Two free hands (may come in handy with #'s 9 & 8)
5. Stronger immune system and overall better health.
4. You will no longer burn your fingers, furniture and clothes.
3. You can have a longer life to do more of what you want, and more energy and endurance for activities you enjoy.
2. You won't have to worry about putting people you care about in danger from secondhand smoke.
And the number 1 Benefit of Quitting Smoking: You will be taking better care of the only body you are going to have in this life!
So, what do you say America....are you ready to quit?
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