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Smoke cessation
Tobacco is one of the few legal ‘consumer product’ available in stores that will kill or harm when used as intended.
Forgive me to be so cynical, but according to statistics, three thousand kids become new smokers every day.
Well, I’m more in shock than cynical!
Tobacco has been used by humans for centuries. It has been chewed, sniffed, and smoked. The most commonly togay using
is in the form of cigarettes.
Smoking dependancy
The reason so many people use tobacco is because it contains a powerful drug known as nicotine.
With nicotine as addictive as cocaine and heroin, smoking becomes a biological addiction, but gives a pleasureable sensation.
The 'habit' itself is addictive as well, most people who smoke DO LIKE IT.
Cigarette smoke contains a long list of chemicals responsible for its powerful addictiveness. When tobacco smoke is inhaled,
nicotine is absorbed by the lungs. Once it is here, nicotine has a fast circulation inside of the body. It is transported into
the bloodstream and reaches the brain within 8 seconds. If tobacco is chewed or snuffed, nicotine is transported into
the blood through the mucous membranes that line the mouth or, respectively, the nose.
When you enjoy smoking, many things seem to go along with having a cigarette. These might include having a cup of coffee or
an alcoholic drink, talking on the phone, driving, being stressed or worried, socializing with friends or just wanting
something to do with your hands. These little things are part of dependency too.
Smoking effects
We can say that there are short term and long term effects.
Immediate (short term) effects
- Stained teeth and bad breath;
- Bad smell in clothes, skin and on hair;
- Lower athletic ability;
- Sore and cough throat ;
- Raised blood pressure and faster heartbeat;
- Risk of passive smoking to people around you ;
- Spending your money for smoke.
Long term effects
- Toxic chemicals inhalation in cigarette smoke
- Increased risk of lung cancer and many other types of cancer
- High risk of heart disease
- Serious breathing problems
- Wrinkles
- Risk of stomach ulcers and acid reflux
- Risk of damage to babies of pregnant women who smoke
- Setting a bad example for your children
Generally, smoking is associated with poor overall health and a lot of adverse health effects.
The illnesses caused by smoking extend beyond the well-reported links with cancer, heart disease and
respiratory illnesses. Smoking can cause impotence, ulcers and fertility problems and it's doesn't
just harm smokers.
You should know that smokers are:
- 2.4 times more likely than their nonsmoking peers to report poorer overall health.
- 2.4 to 2.7 times more likely to report cough with phlegm or blood, shortness of breath when not exercising, and wheezing or gasping.
- 3.0 times more likely to have seen a doctor or other health professional for an emotional or psychological complaint.
What do you have in your mind?
Due of nicotine addiction, there are many psychological and social pressures on smokers and on those who are
trying to quit. You'll find it difficult, but if you want to stop, you can.
You'll have the best chance of stopping if you do the following:
- Get ready, is only up to you,
- Get support and encouragement from family and friends.
- Learn how to handle stress and the urge to smoke.
- Talk to your health care, get the right medication and use it correctly.
- Be prepared for relapse.
More information
Major diseases caused by smoking
Immediate benefits of quitting smoking
Alcohol consumption urge to smoke
Smoke free legislation
Cigarette smoking declines among American adults
Pre- or postnatal pasive smoking increases the risk of asthma
Smoke rises the risk of metabolic syndrome in teens
There is no safe level for smoking
Long-term tobacco use diminishes thinking ability
Cigarette smoking nearly triples the risk of macular degeneration
Secondhand smoke associated to behavioral problems in kids
Tobacco smoke increases the infant’s risk of developing hay fever
NOTE: The Information on this site is provided for information only,
and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.
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