If you or a loved one is trying to quit smoking, here is some helpful guidance and tips from Health.gov.
Can I quit?
You are not the only person to begin quitting smoking for good. There are millions of people who have successfully quit smoking, some after countless years. To quit smoking you must first know how it is affecting you or your loved ones.
Nicotine is the addictive drug found in tobacco products. The nicotine in cigarettes is what causes strong urges to smoke.
To help motivate you, use some of these tips to help you according to Health.gov:
• Make a list of reasons to quit.
• Ask family or friends for support.
• Talk to your doctor about counseling or medicines that may help you quit.
Health benefits
You will feel the benefits of smoking as soon as you stop smoking. You will breathe easier, your sense of taste and smell will improve and you’ll find yourself having more energy throughout the day.
Your lungs and body will feel stronger once you’ve quit smoking.
Quitting smoking also will help you live a longer, healthier life. Once you’ve quit smoking, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke vastly goes down when paired with a healthy diet and exercise.
Quitting smoking will also help you lose or gain weight according to what you want. You’re more likely to begin other life-changing activities once you’ve quit smoking, such as working and eating better.
Does smoking affect others?
Second-hand smoke is defined by Health.gov as the mix of smoke that comes from your cigarette and the smoke that you breathe. Second-hand smoking is very dangerous for you and others around you.
According to Health.gov, in babies and children, second-hand smoking can cause:
• Sudden infant death syndrome.
• Pneumonia.
• Bronchitis.
• Severe asthma attacks.
• Ear infections.
Smoking can also cause heart disease, stroke and lung cancer in adults breathing in second-hand smoke.
