Valuable Tips On How You Can Break Free Of Smoking Tobacco
Smoking tobacco is a dangerous habit with serious repercussions. It can lead to various health issues like cancer and heart disease, as well as an increased risk of death.
Here Are 10 Dangers Associated With Smoking Tobacco And How You Can Stop:
1. Increased Risk of Cancer:
Smoking has long been associated with cancer, with estimates placing tobacco use at the cause of an estimated 30 percent of all cancer deaths annually in the United States. Common cancers caused by smoking include lung, throat, mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreatic; they all share this common denominator: tobacco smoke!
2. Weakening Immunity System:
Smoking tobacco can weaken your body’s immune system, leaving it more vulnerable to infections and diseases. The chemicals present in smoke cause inflammation which hinders proper function of the immune system – leaving you vulnerable to illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis as well as other respiratory infections – on top of all the other dangers caused by smoking.
3. Addiction:
Smoking has highly addictive properties, making it difficult for smokers to quit even when they know of all the hazards smoking poses to their health. For those who have been smoking for some time, professional help and medication may be necessary in order to successfully quit.
4. Gum Disease:
Smoking can be detrimental to your teeth and gums, increasing the risk of dental health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or even tooth loss. Smoking reduces saliva in your mouth which prevents it from naturally washing away plaque and bacteria that cause cavities.
Furthermore, smokers have been linked with greater chances of developing periodontal (gum) disease than non-smokers due to an increased buildup of tartar and bacteria on their teeth. Some studies even link smoking with an increased likelihood of oral cancer.
5. Early Aging:
Smoking can cause premature skin wrinkling and dryness due to nicotine’s effect on blood flow, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach cells. Furthermore, free radicals in smoke damage collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin. Smoking has even been linked to other skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
6. Asthma:
Smoking is one of the biggest risks for developing asthma, particularly in children. This is because smoke contains toxins and chemicals which can irritate airways and cause inflammation.
Children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma than those of non-smoking parents; even people without existing symptoms may become worsened when exposed to secondhand smoke. If your condition worsens due to smoking exposure, seek medical help from an asthma specialist right away.
Smoking tobacco can have serious negative consequences for our health, so it’s essential to find ways of quitting the habit.
Here Are 6 Strategies On How You Can Break Free Of Smoking Tobacco:
1. Set a Quit Date:
Plan when you will officially stop smoking, whether that be one month or three months from now, and mark that day on your calendar. This gives you time to mentally prepare for the big day as well as ensure all necessary resources such as support groups, medications, etc. are ready ahead of time.
2. Remove All Cigarettes and Lighters:
Clear away cigarettes and lighters from your home and car so they’re no longer visible or easily accessible. That way, when you come across them, it will be harder for you to give in to the temptation to smoke one.
3. Avoid Triggers:
Consider what situations typically prompt you to light up and do your best to steer clear of those opportunities. Whether that means taking a different route when driving or staying away from certain people who always seem to trigger your desire for tobacco, be vigilant against any and all triggers that could lead back down the path towards addiction.
4. Alter Your Routine:
If you find that smoking a cigarette after every meal has become an automatic part of your day, try switching up the order in which you consume tobacco. Instead of going outside directly for a smoke break, take a walk or do something else instead that doesn’t involve cigarettes. This may help break the automatic association between cigarettes and eating out.
5. Use Alternatives:
Consider using alternatives such as gum, candy, or nicotine patches to quench your tobacco cravings without actually smoking one. Doing this can help you become used to not having cigarettes around and form a new habit of not smoking them.
6. Try Distractions:
When you feel the urge to smoke, do something else such as calling a friend, playing a game, or reading a book. By engaging in an activity that takes your mind off cigarettes, you may be able to break the cycle of cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
