As the New Year approaches, we often reflect on the past year and think about positive changes we may want to make in our lives, calling them our “New Years’ Resolutions.” Out of the many resolutions one could make, one of the most impactful would be to quit smoking.
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. Newsymom and The Tuscarawas County Health Department hope to shed some light on the effects of tobacco use and share some resources to help you make quitting your New Years’ Resolution.
Smoking is the leading cause of many life threatening and chronic conditions. Some complications related to smoking include, but are not limited to..
- 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.
- Smoking is the 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 life-threatening to those who are near. According to the FDA, secondhand smoke causes more than 40,000 deaths per year.
For more details about the various effects of smoking, visit https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/public-health-education/health-effects-tobacco-use
If you currently use tobacco and have wanted to quit but have been met with unsuccessful attempts, do not be discouraged. Due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine, quitting can be difficult. It is not at all uncommon for a person to make more than one attempt at quitting before putting the habit down for good. Within the first few weeks of quitting, it is common to experience symptoms such as..
- Temporary depression
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
This initial discomfort is what can make the process so difficult for some. While it is difficult, it’s not impossible and well worth the effort.
Tobacco users who quit smoking often feel improved lung function within weeks of quitting. Additionally, once a person smokes their last cigarette, the body begins a healing process that continues for years. As the years pass, the smoking associated risks for various chronic conditions lessen and lessen.
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 your new year’s resolution for 2025!
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)