Still Smoking? Quit Before It’s Late!

We all have come across the saying- ‘Smoking is injurious to health’ or ‘Quit smoking’, sometimes in cinema halls, before the film's start or even on the very cigarette packets that are bought! But why do governments and organizations put in so much effort? Read on to know why it is high time people start to quit smoking!

Smoking is one of the deadliest habits that causes multiple health problems. The images that are most commonly seen on cigarette packets, yet ignored are the reality of smokers and tobacco consumers. It can cause lung cancer and may be responsible for heart diseases, strokes and many other respiratory problems. The worst part of cigarette smoking is that despite well-documented risk factors it carries, people still continue to light up their cigarettes putting their life at stake! Smoking Risks and Dangers

Do you also underestimate smoking and tobacco consumption? We often hear- “Eventually everyone has to die, why not enjoy life before death”. Well, let us straighten some facts here, for instance, smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Yes, you heard it right! Preventable deaths- over a million every year! Adding to the specifics of cigarette smoking is the fact that it is not just the people consuming who are directly affected, but, it also has effects on everyone around them! Secondhand smoking is a great health hazard especially for young children.

According to data by the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking kills half of its users, and is one of the main reasons for lung cancer- a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Other internal organs are also affected, like, bladder, kidney, liver, heart, etc.

Quit Smoking

It is easier said than done- this applies completely when it comes to quitting smoking. It is very easy to advise or to ask someone to quit smoking, but it is not something that can be done easily. Though difficult, it is one of the most important things one can do to improve their health. Here are some tips that can help you quit your cigarette:

• Set a quit-smoking date - Choose a date when you quit smoking and stick to it. This would help you be mentally prepared for quitting and give you a specific goal to work towards.
• Identify your triggers- Identifying the triggers that prompt you to smoke is equally important. It can be mental stress or social situations. Once you identify, try and avoid them as much as possible. If you can’t, make some counter plan to keep yourself busy and distracted from the need to light your cigarette.
• Find support in this journey - Have conversations with your friends and family about your decision to quit smoking and ask them for support. Support groups can also be joined or you can even seek health professionals.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy - NRT or Nicotine Replacement Therapy can reduce the withdrawal symptoms that come with the attempt of quitting smoking. NRT can be used in different forms like, patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, etc.
•  Remain Busy - Try and keep yourself as busy as possible. This will help you distract yourself from the urge to smoke. Do activities that you enjoy, like exercising, reading, or spending time with friends.
• Stay Positive - The process to quit smoking can seem cumbersome and tiring. It is normal to experience setbacks. But, don’t give up. Instead focus on the progress you’ve made and stay positive.

Why Quit Smoking?

The benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and immediate. For instance, you will notice improvement in your health starting with better function of the lungs. You’ll be more energetic and feel better. Quality of life can also improve upon leaving behind the urge to light up your cigarettes as it improves both physical and mental well-being. Smoking is expensive and is dangerous for people around. So, the benefits of quitting also come on these two fronts- as people around the smoker are no longer getting exposed to passive smoking while the person also gets to save money.

In conclusion, smoking is injurious, we all know that! What we tend to ignore is the number of other problems it causes! After looking at the benefits of quitting, hopefully, many people can take steps, get over this evil! Zyephr will always support you in your journey towards good health and make you keep a good track of all your health needs. So, download the app now and get a personalised experience right away!