Since there are over 45 million people in the U.
S.
that smoke cigarettes every day and 1 in 5 people die from a tobacco related health issue, it stands to reason that many people want to stop smoking but just aren't sure if it will make any difference at this point.
Here are some important answers to questions that you may have asked as you consider quitting the smoking habit.
These facts can help you determine if you want to commit yourself to the task of ending your smoking habit.
Q: Does it help my health to quit smoking even if I've smoked for several years? A: Yes, it certainly does.
Studies have shown that no matter when you quit smoking, even if it's later in life, your body immediately begins the healing process.
Of course, sooner is better than later and you will certainly reap many more health benefits if you quit while still young.
But many people who have smoked as long as 20 or 30 years can attest to the fact that they feel better and still benefit from their ending the smoking addiction.
The risks of coronary and lung diseases drops more and more each year after you kick the habit.
Q:Will it be hard to quit smoking? A: Yes, for most people it is hard to some degree.
Nicotine is both physically and psychologically addicting.
Since everyone is different, it depends to what degree each area of your life is affected.
If you primarily are socially and emotionally addicted to smoking, you will not only deal with the physical aspects of stopping, but you will need to mentally recondition the way you deal with life emotionally and socially without a cigarette in your hand.
Some people can finally make a firm commitment to quit, throw their cigarettes away and grit their teeth for a few weeks or months while the cravings go away.
They never pick up another cigarette.
Other smokers may try to quit many times and be discouraged, thinking that there is no hope to quit.
Many of these types of smokers deal with emotional issues of comfort, stress relief and enjoyment that are attached to the smoking habit.
These smokers may need outside support such as telephone support groups, physical addiction support groups, and/or medical assistance in quitting.
Q: What other reasons do I have to stop smoking? A: You will benefit financially more than you realize.
People who smoke are constantly spending money on the ever rising price of a pack of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco or rolling tobacco.
Your family will also benefit health wise by not being subjected to second hand smoke which will harm their health as well as yours.
In fact, those who breathe second hand smoke are at great risk for many of the same diseases as those who actually smoke.
You will also set a good example for your children, grandchildren and other young people with whom you come in contact.
Q: Where can I get help? A: You probably should first discuss quittng with your family doctor so that he or she can provide you with expert advice on various programs and medical treatments available.
You can also talk with a counselor or psychologist that may have information regarding how to best stop the habit.
Be sure to ask lots of questions and enlist some support to help you stick to your commitment to quit.
Even though it's harder for some than for for others to stop smoking, it's always a challenge at some level but it can be done with firm commitment and good support.
S.
that smoke cigarettes every day and 1 in 5 people die from a tobacco related health issue, it stands to reason that many people want to stop smoking but just aren't sure if it will make any difference at this point.
Here are some important answers to questions that you may have asked as you consider quitting the smoking habit.
These facts can help you determine if you want to commit yourself to the task of ending your smoking habit.
Q: Does it help my health to quit smoking even if I've smoked for several years? A: Yes, it certainly does.
Studies have shown that no matter when you quit smoking, even if it's later in life, your body immediately begins the healing process.
Of course, sooner is better than later and you will certainly reap many more health benefits if you quit while still young.
But many people who have smoked as long as 20 or 30 years can attest to the fact that they feel better and still benefit from their ending the smoking addiction.
The risks of coronary and lung diseases drops more and more each year after you kick the habit.
Q:Will it be hard to quit smoking? A: Yes, for most people it is hard to some degree.
Nicotine is both physically and psychologically addicting.
Since everyone is different, it depends to what degree each area of your life is affected.
If you primarily are socially and emotionally addicted to smoking, you will not only deal with the physical aspects of stopping, but you will need to mentally recondition the way you deal with life emotionally and socially without a cigarette in your hand.
Some people can finally make a firm commitment to quit, throw their cigarettes away and grit their teeth for a few weeks or months while the cravings go away.
They never pick up another cigarette.
Other smokers may try to quit many times and be discouraged, thinking that there is no hope to quit.
Many of these types of smokers deal with emotional issues of comfort, stress relief and enjoyment that are attached to the smoking habit.
These smokers may need outside support such as telephone support groups, physical addiction support groups, and/or medical assistance in quitting.
Q: What other reasons do I have to stop smoking? A: You will benefit financially more than you realize.
People who smoke are constantly spending money on the ever rising price of a pack of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco or rolling tobacco.
Your family will also benefit health wise by not being subjected to second hand smoke which will harm their health as well as yours.
In fact, those who breathe second hand smoke are at great risk for many of the same diseases as those who actually smoke.
You will also set a good example for your children, grandchildren and other young people with whom you come in contact.
Q: Where can I get help? A: You probably should first discuss quittng with your family doctor so that he or she can provide you with expert advice on various programs and medical treatments available.
You can also talk with a counselor or psychologist that may have information regarding how to best stop the habit.
Be sure to ask lots of questions and enlist some support to help you stick to your commitment to quit.
Even though it's harder for some than for for others to stop smoking, it's always a challenge at some level but it can be done with firm commitment and good support.