Maybe.
I'm Thinking About Quitting.
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Want to Quit? Contact the American Cancer Society Quitline for free and confidential counseling services, support and information: 1-877-937-7848, visit www.yesquit.com,
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It’s Worth Thinking About.
Perhaps smoking has yet to launch you into coughing attacks, yet
to take your breath away by simply climbing stairs or yet to make
you sick with bronchitis. If so, now is the best time to quit. Before
it does.
Every day, scientists uncover new health and environmental hazards
related to smoking, but your reasons for quitting are the most important.
As you read through this list of considerations and facts, check
those that concern you and add any that come to mind.
In the U.S., cigarette smoking is responsible for:
- 130,000 deaths per year from cancer
- 170,000 deaths per year from heart disease
- 50,000 deaths per year from lung disease
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Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and
death.
Each year it snuffs out more lives than AIDS, illegal drugs, alcohol,
fires, car accidents, murders and suicides combined.
And yet nearly a quarter of all adults in Texas still smoke. In fact,
one of them will die in the next 22 minutes.
You know smoking is harmful, and you’ve taken the right step in
thinking about quitting.
Allow Nothing to Get in Your Way
You know quitting will be tough because it means giving up something
that you like or you think you need. Smoking may feel like your best friend,
but in truth it is your worst enemy. More than half of Texans who smoke
will get sick or die from it.
Here are a few common thoughts and their underlying truths:
“I’m under a lot of stress and smoking relaxes me.”
Your body is used to nicotine, so you naturally feel more relaxed when
you give your body a substance it’s come to depend on.
But nicotine is, in fact, a stimulant: it raises your heart rate, blood
pressure and adrenaline level. In just a few weeks after quitting, you’ll
feel much less stressed and nervous.
“I smoke only safe, low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes.”
These cigarettes still contain harmful substances, and many smokers who
use them inhale more often and more deeply to maintain their nicotine
intake. Studies show that carbon monoxide intake increases with a switch
to low-tar cigarettes.
“I’m worried about gaining weight.”
Gaining weight isn’t for certain. Many tips are available to keep
your weight stable. Ask your doctor, call the American Cancer Society’s
toll-free QUITLINE at 1-877-YES-QUIT (1-877-937-7848), or visit www.cancer.org.
“I don’t know what to do with my hands.”
This is a common worry among smokers thinking about quitting. You can
keep your hands busy in other ways. It’s just a matter of getting
used to the change. Try holding a pencil, paper clip or marble. If you’re
at home, think of all the things you wish you had time to do, make a list,
and consult the list for alternatives to smoking whenever your hands feel
restless.
When you decide to stop smoking, tell your family, friends and primary
care doctor. Together, they can help you take the next step.
Consider your entire family
If you die prematurely from a smoking-related illness, who will do all
the things you do for your family? Your family needs your emotional and
financial support.
Infants born to smokers are at increased risk of sudden infant death
syndrome and low birth weight.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke at home are more prone to colds,
ear infections and allergies than children of non-smoking parents. Worse
still, they are more likely to become smokers themselves.
Secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer 30 percent, resulting
in 3,000 additional cases of lung cancer per year.
Adults exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have respiratory
diseases and symptoms that lead to absenteeism from work.
Spouses of smokers have a higher risk of heart disease.
Consider yourself
When you quit smoking, you will:
Look better (no more yellow teeth and fingers, fewer wrinkles as you
age)
Feel better (good-bye hacking cough, hello vitality)
Enjoy life more (flowers smell sweeter, food tastes better)
Cut your risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Save money (about $1,250 in a year if you smoke one pack a day)
Prevent fires (smoking is a major cause)
Be a safer driver (hands hold the wheel instead of cigarettes, better
night vision)
Stop wasting time looking for a place to smoke
Be more productive at work and home
Have fewer colds and sick days
Go more places (restaurants, theaters, museums, sports arenas)
Be proud of yourself
Last Updated March 8, 2005 |