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An estimated 430,000 Americans die each year due to tobacco related diseases. Despite all the warning and statistics smoking remains the single largest preventable cause for death as it is linked to lung cancer and heart disease. Why? For some people their addiction to smoking is more powerful than cocaine or heroine according to the U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline, it is not merely a bad habit that can easily be overcome.
HOW SMOKE KILLS
Carbon Monoxide and other toxic gases help make up cigarette smoke. Carbon Monoxide slows the transfer of oxygen from the blood to the rest of the body. Nicotine increases the blood pressure and heart rate leading to pre-mature heart attacks. Not only that but smoking increases the risk of heart disease significantly for those who already have high blood pressure.
Tar and nicotine are also deposited in smoker’s lungs and those breathing the second hand smoke. Chronic Lung Disease can be brought about by smoking through emphysema with is the loss of elasticity of the lungs. Sufferers of Emphysema often gasp for breath leading to premature death in many cases.
Although a non-smoker can develop lung cancer a heavy smoker is more than 24 times more likely to suffer the disease. It is also more common for women who smoke to develop cervical cancer as well. In recent years many studies have come out that show that women smokers are more likely to suffer pre-mature aging, miscarriages, and even osteoporosis. Women who smoke can also experience earlier menopausal symptoms. It has been found that toxic chemicals in tobacco can damage the hormone-producing cells in the ovaries. These chemicals cause the liver to speed up chemical inactivation of estrogen.
HOW TO QUIT
1. Take responsibility for your addiction and get help.
There are many agencies, products and health lines all available to help you stop smoking. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 800-358-9295, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800-CDC-1311, National Cancer Institute, 800-4-CANCER) Don't try to stop smoking on your own. It is important to get counseling, your doctor and your family involved in your goals.
The FDA has approved five medications to help you quit smoking. It is estimated that by using one of these medications in your plan to quit smoking you can double your chances of quitting for good. Bupropion SR is only available by prescription but Nicotine is available in the gum form, inhaler, patch and nasal spray. Some Nicotine products designed to help smokers are available over the counter and some are only available by prescription. Of course if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications.
The Surgeon General has ordered that each medical facility designate a tobacco dependence treatment coordinator for every clinical site. This treatment coordinator is responsible for instructing patients on the effective use of treatments including pharmacotherapy, telephone calls to and from prospective quitters, and scheduled follow-up visits, especially in the immediate period after quitting. Learn about all of the options available to help you successfully reach your goal.
2. Set Realitic Goals
Although being able to quit "Cold Turkey" would be nice you should recognize that most people stop 2-3 times before they are successful in stopping their addiction. Ask yourself WHY you want to quit when you are setting your goals and evaluate why you failed if this is not the first time you have attempted to quit.
3. Behavior Modification
Counselors will help you understand that there are ways to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Smoking will undoubtedly have been a part of your Dailey routine for quite some time and you will need to distract yourself from the urge to smoke as well as change your routine. Smoking provided an enjoyable part of your day and you will need to plan something else to do that can be equally or more enjoyable to you. Exercise and drinking lots of water can also help your body recover from the addiction.
4. Be Prepared
Start by removing any and all cigarettes form your car, house, pockets & purse. Make a commitment to witnesses that you will not smoke even 1 puff!
The first 3 months after you start trying to stop smoking will be the most difficult. Be prepared for difficult situations to arise and know how to resolve them without turning to cigarettes. Do not allow yourself to be around others that smoke or drink and watch your moods to recognize depression. You can also learn about withdrawal. Recognize the symptoms and find out what can be done to prevent them.
Some smokers gain approximately 10 pounds after stopping but are prepared for that obstacle and do not let it stop you from reaching your goal. Eating healthy and exercise will help you be healthier and happier.
THE BENEFIT OF QUITING
Remarkably our body is able to repair itself rather quickly in spite of what we do to it! When you quit smoking much of the damage caused can be reversed including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease. Not only will you feel healthier after you quit but your sense of smell and taste will be more acute as the nerve endings start to re-grow. Stains on your hands, teeth and clothing will also disappear. Within only eight hours without smoke your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can normalize. After 5 years smoke free your risk of cancer of the lung, mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a pack-a-day smoker and in 10 years without smoke your risk of dying of lung cancer is the same as a non-smoker. After 15 years you are no more at risk of heart disease that if you never smoked at all.
Your decision to stop smoking is undoubtedly the best think you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Recognize that although being smoke-free is not going to be easy, it is well worth the sacrifice!
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