Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. While the risks are well-known, people who use tobacco products often find it incredibly difficult to quit. However, the benefits to quitting are well worth the effort.
Newsymom and The Tuscarawas County Health Department have partnered up to shed some light on the effects of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
Smoking Kills
Smoking is the leading cause of many life threatening and chronic conditions. Some complications related to smoking include..
- Smoking causes 1 in every 5 cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Smoking can not only increase the risk of stroke, but death as a result of stroke is more common among people who smoke than people who do not.
- Leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A chronic condition that makes it difficult to breathe.
- 1 in every 3 cancer deaths in the U.S. are related to smoking.
Aside from the many possible consequences that a person who uses tobacco may face, smoking is also threatening to those who are near. According to the FDA, secondhand smoke causes more than 40,000 deaths per year.
Due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine, quitting can be difficult. While it is difficult, it’s not impossible and well worth the effort!
5 Reasons to Shake the Habit
It’s never too late to make a difference in your health. Quitting smoking comes with loads of benefits regardless of age or duration of your habit. A few of these benefits include..
- Improved circulation and lung function- breathe easier.
- Reduces the financial burden of a tobacco habit.
- Within just 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your blood pressure and heart rate will begin to return to normal.
- Lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Lowers risk of developing 12 types of cancer.
Check out this YouTube video published by the CDC for more information on the way quitting can positively impact your quality of life: https://youtu.be/KX82NJMguvA
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is absolutely achievable and can lead to a healthier, happier life. Overall, making the decision to stop smoking and sticking with it improves health, quality of life and even reduces the financial burden that smoking creates. Make putting down tobacco products a priority today!
For free resources to quit smoking or vaping call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or reach out to the Tuscarawas County Health Department healthed@tchdnow.org (330-343-5555, ext. 1860)
Citations: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/benefits-of-quitting.html
https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/public-health-education/health-effects-tobacco-use