Quit Smoking Today And Improve Your Life
It is not easy to quit smoking, though many people want to. To achieve this goal takes a large degree of hard work, commitment, and determination. One of the greatest motivations is health. Figures from the World Health Organisation show that on an annual basis there are 4 million deaths associated with smoking, and smoking related diseases have caused a shorter lifespan in nearly ten per cent of the global population.
When we understand the reality of the health problems that come with smoking it can help us to take steps to kick the habit. The good news is that millions of people do mange to quit smoking every year. More than half the number of people that smoke are able to give up in the long run.
Every single cigarette that is consumed contains not only addictive amounts of nicotine but numerous other toxic substances. The moment you light up a cigarette, nicotine is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain in a matter of seconds. It may feel good as it causes an increase in the amount of dopamine that that is being circulated around the body. But this hormone will decrease when you do not smoke, causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.
Another poison that is present in tobacco smoke is tar. This contains carcinogens which can be the cause of many forms of cancer. Carbon monoxide is also inhaled which attaches itself to the hemoglobin in your blood causing a decrease in the amount of oxygen that can be carried. There are many other substances also present in cigarette smoke which can have such affects as thickening of the blood and clotting in your arteries.
Most smokers may be aware of the associated risks. It has been proven that those people that smoke the whole duration of their lives live on average ten years less than the rest of the population. There are a seemingly endless number of diseases that have been associated with smoking. Lung cancer is perhaps the most well-known, but others forms of cancer can also be caused such as that of the kidneys, bladder, throat, pancreas, stomach, as well as a form of leukemia.
Another proven ailment is pneumonia, this creates inflammation of the lungs as does COPD. Heart disease is also a common sickness that has a higher prevalence amongst smokers. It is due to damage caused to the arteries which in turn lessens the amount of oxygen. Other illnesses proven to be caused by smoking include angina, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis, to name but a few.
As you can see, stopping smoking can only be a positive step in your life. The earlier you quit the greater chance your body has of recovering. There are various methods and treatments available to people that want to quit.
Your first point of call should be your family doctor. They can offer you advice and medication that will lessen the withdrawal symptoms you are likely to experience. Possible treatments may include: nicotine replacement therapy (which comes in various forms), bupropion (a tablet), varenicline (also a tablet).
If you are serious about giving up smoking than you really can achieve it. There are many different organisations and individuals out there that can help you.
Reduce the need for asthma treatment and prevent heart disease by giving up today.