Top 10 Reasons to Quit Smoking
Smoking is arguably the world’s worst habit, and a tough one to kick at that. In a day and age when the dangers of smoking are crystal clear, it’s surprising that anyone still smokes. Unfortunately, an estimated 47 million adults in the U.S. currently smoke and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 percent of those people want to quit smoking completely. In addition to the health risks, there are numerous reasons to quit smoking today and live a healthier, happier life without cigarettes. Here are the top 10 reasons to quit smoking:
- Smoking increases the chance of heart attack, stroke or cancer
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is a major concern for smokers. For every cigarette you smoke, the greater your chances of getting heart disease become. According to MayoClinic.com, quitting can lower your risk of having a heart attack by 50 percent in the first year. Smoking also increases your chance of smoking-related cancers, which make up 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Some common smoking-related cancers affect the lung, larynx, mouth, tongue, lips, pharynx, stomach and other vital organs. - Smoking can lead to lung cancer, emphysema and other lung diseases
Smoking every day for years increases your chance of getting lung cancer and smoking-related diseases. According to MayoClinic.com, smoking is the cause of nearly nine out of 10 lung cancer cases, as well as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases. Quitting smoking today can prevent further damage to your lungs and reduce your chances of developing cancer and lung diseases. - Smoking can give others secondhand smoke
In addition to risking your own health, smoking puts other people in danger from secondhand smoke. For every puff you take in front of your spouse, family members and friends, the greater the chance that they’ll get lung cancer, heart disease and infections from inhaling nicotine and other toxic chemicals. Smoking around children can cause sudden infant death syndrome, lung infections, asthma, ear infections and colds. When you consider the dangers you are putting your loved ones in by smoking – is it really worth it? - It’s a very costly habit
Smoking is an expensive habit. On average, a pack-a-day smoker spends upwards of $30 per week and over $1,600 per year on cigarettes. For every year you keep smoking, the more money you will burn through and not save. In addition to purchasing cigarettes, smokers also pay more for health insurance because they are a greater risk to health insurance companies than non-smokers. - Smoking weakens the immune system
Smoking weakens the immune system and puts you at greater risk for infections and illnesses. Cigarettes depress antibodies and cells that help fight infections. Those who smoke may be more prone to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and influenza, which may take longer to fight off and recover from. A weak immune system is very dangerous to those who already have ongoing health problems and generally gets worse over time. - You will look, smell and feel better
Smoking cigarettes has lost the sexy, glamorous appeal that it once had. Cigarette smoke permeates through everything, including your hair, clothes and skin. Over time, smoking cigarettes can stain your fingers, nails and teeth yellow. Smokers also tend to have dull skin and hair because they aren’t receiving enough oxygen. The list goes on and on, but one thing’s for sure, quitting smoking will drastically improve your outward appearance and make you feel better all around. - You will regain control of your life
Like any addiction, cigarettes are highly addictive and can negatively affect your physical and mental health. When you are driven by an addiction, such as nicotine, your brain craves the drug and you respond by feeding it. When you quit smoking, you can regain control of your life and confidently say no to your cravings. - Your family and friends
If you don’t want to quit for yourself, quit for your family and friends. Chances are you have a handful of people in your life who’ve been begging you to quit smoking, but you never did. The truth is it’s never too late to quit. There is so much more to live for than cigarettes could ever give you, and it will mean so much to those who love you to give up smoking. - You’ll live longer
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking takes an average of 13.2 years off an adult male’s life and 14.5 years of a female’s life. Quitting smoking adds years to your life because you are reducing the chance of disease, cancer and other smoking-related illnesses. Your overall physical and mental health will improve when you quit smoking, which will do wonders for your state of mind and happiness. - Smoking causes wrinkles
Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process, resulting in wrinkles and skin damage on the face and body. Smokers can start to show skin damage after only 10 years of smoking, so unless you like the look of sagging skin and wrinkles, now is the time to quit and let your skin come back to life.
