TODAY, a lot more people know the fact that smoking is dangerous. Although some of them still keep the habit about 60% of smokers want to give up. Cigarette smoking is declining in older adults, but increasing among the young, particularly in developing countries. In the United Kingdom, about 450 children start smoking per day, and about quarter of school leavers smoking regularly. The truth is the number is rising.
Smoking damages almost every organ in the human body. Epidemiologists estimate that ~50% of smokers will die of smoking if they do not give up. In Malaysia, smoking causes 10 000 deaths each year. Research show that about 46.4% of men and 1.6% of women and 18 and above were identified as current smokers.
HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN CIGARETTES
- Cadmium (batteries)
- Butane (Lighter fluid)
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
- Methane (sewer gas)
- Arsenic (poison)
- Carbon monoxide
- Hexamine (barbecue lighter)
- Methanol (rocket fuel)
- Cellulose acetate (paint)
- Stearic acid (candle wax)
- Toluene (industrial solvent)
- Nicotine (insecticide)
- Ammonia (toilet cleaner)
EFFECTS OF SMOKING
As we already know, smoking will harm nearly every organ in our body. Be the second hand smoker also doesn’t help much.
We can divide the effects of smoking into some categories:
- Cardiovascular – stroke, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease
- Respiratory – lung cancer, bronchitis
- Otolaryngology – oral cavity cancer
- Urology – erectile dysfunction
- Cosmetic – yellow teeth, blackish lips
- Maternity – preterm delivery, still birth, low birth weight
- Paediatric – sudden infant death syndrome, impairment of physical and mental growth and development in children
- Others – infertility, financial problem
TIMELINE OF HEALTH BENEFITS AFTER STOPPING SMOKING
|
After… |
Health benefit |
|
20 minutes |
Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal |
|
8 hours |
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal |
|
24 hours |
Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris |
|
48 hours |
There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved |
|
72 hours |
Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase |
|
2-12 weeks |
Circulation improves |
|
3-9 months |
Cough, wheezing and breathing problems improve and lung function increases by up to 10% |
|
1 year |
Risk of heart attack falls to about half of a smoker |
|
10 years |
Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker |
|
15 years |
Risk of heart attack falls to the same level as someone who has never smoked |
There are so many benefits that you will gain by quit smoking. In UK, it was estimated that by quit smoking, it will save about 110,000 lives per year. Pregnant mothers that quit smoking will have larger babies (smokers’ babies weigh on average 250g less than expected).
Ex smokers will have less risk for bronchitis and less risk from the pill (cardiovascular risk increases by 20 if you use >30 cigarettes per day). By quitting, it will help to reduce stress. A lot of physical activities will become easier. You don’t tire as quickly as while you are still actively smoking. It will also improve the skin, sense of taste and smell, not forget your sexual life and a lot others. Just give yourself the chance to experience a healthy life.
HOW TO HELP PEOPLE TO QUIT SMOKING (FOR DOCTORS OR ANY PARTIES THAT INVOLVE WITH SMOKING CESSATION)
Remember 4A’s. (Ask, Advice, Assist, Arrange follow up)
- Ask about smoking all consultations
- Advice the patients to quit smoking according to his/her need. Tell them the benefit of giving up. Identify his/her belief about smoking. Give advice congruent to the belief.
- Assist in practical ways
- Arrange for follow up. This shows that you are committed to help the patient giving up. It will give a great support to the patients.
SUMMARY
Quit smoking is a lot easier if we know how. Remember that quitting is difficult but possible. Some people might need 2 -3 attempts to quit smoking. You just need to have enough will power to do something good for your life and your loved ones. If you do not succeed the first time, you just have to try it once again. I am sure that you will succeed eventually. The key is NEVER GIVE UP.
References:
- Oxford handbook of clinical specialties, 5th edition
- Health effects of smoking. CDC 2006
- Clinical practical guidelines. MOH, Malaysia. 2003
- The third national health and morbidity survey 2006 scientific congress abstract and programme book, October 8-10, 2007.
- Smoking – effects on your body. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Passive smoking. The Cancer Council Victoria. www.quit.org.au
- Consumer guide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2000.
Recommended product:
Hypnosis To Change Your Life. Using The Power Of Hypnosis, You Will Lose Weight, Stop Smoking, Gain Unlimited Confidence And Motivation!
Related posts
Technorati Tags: adult, cessation, children smoking, cigarettes, health, quit, stop smoking, stress, Tips.If you liked my post, feel free to subscribe to my rss feeds
BlogoSquare
2 Comments so far (Add 1 more)
(Why comment?Click here to know why.)
2 Trackbacks
[...] Dr.Irham ’s post is one of my favorite picks for today. Check out the post SMOKING CESSATION below. I highly recommend viewing the full post! [...]
[...] Continue Reading [...]