Stopping smoking is not easy and with the stresses and strains of the last 18 months, it’s probably not been one of your priorities. However, as we find ourselves in the post-Lockdown era, there has never been a better time to pause, and reflect on our lifestyles and make some healthier choices. In the first of a two part series on stopping smoking, we look at the many positive reasons why you’d want to quit.
Smoking is Part of Our Culture
Smoking has been a popular European habit since the mid-late 1600’s, and despite studies linking smoking with ill-health as far back as Fritz Lickint’s study of lung cancer sufferers in 1929, and the 1948’s first major study on the subject by British epidemiologist Richard Doll, smoking as a lifestyle choice remains very much imbedded in our culture.
Time for The New You
Now is the time of new hope and new beginnings. The scientific evidence of the damage smoking causes and the health benefits of quitting, is overwhelming and clear. Why not choose this time to finally bring smoking to an end? If you’re still unsure, have a look below for discussion and review of some compelling reasons to give it a go.
COVID-19 and Smoking
Although a definitive conclusion is still undetermined whether there is a correlation between smoking and being more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, there is now evidence to indicate that smokers have an increased risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19.
Health Benefits in Brief
Stopping smoking comes with an avalanche of positives: easier breathing, more energy, reduced stress levels, improved fertility, enhanced ability to smell and taste, reduced risk of serious health diseases such as heart disease and cancer. However there is more.
The Top 10 Benefits of Quitting:
So, let’s explore the NHS’ top ten reasons to quit:
- Less smoke means easier breathing
Lung capacity is greatly impacted by smoking, and whilst many in their 20s and 30s are unlikely to feel the impact of such a strain until they run; maximum lung capacity still exists for all. As we age, our lung capacity naturally reduces. And the difference in later life, prolonged smoking could mean the difference between having an active, healthy old age or difficulty climbing the stairs.
- Fewer cigarettes = more energy
Within 2 to 12 weeks’ of stopping smoking your circulation improves; making all forms of exercise and your natural day-to-day movement substantially easier. You’ll also see give a boost to your immune system, making it easier to fight off ailments. Additionally, the boost in oxygen can help reduce tiredness and the headaches.
- Say goodbye to stress
Nicotine withdrawal can often heighten the feeling of stress. But studies show that people’s stress levels are lower after they stop smoking.
A bonus of course is swapping smoking with a healthier option, providing some real benefits to quitting.
- “Is that a cigarette? – or are you just happy to see me?”
With improved blood flow after quitting smoking, men and women report greater sensitivity with intimacy. Furthermore, studies have shown that non-smokers are likely to be 3 times more appealing to prospective partners.
- Smoking impacts the next generation
Non-smokers find it easier to conceive, and the chances of a miscarriage are reduced when smoke free. And, above all – not smoking improves the chances of a healthy baby being born.
- Turn the mute button off
As smoking dulls our mouth and nose with hundreds of toxic chemicals, quitting cigarettes leads to a natural boost in one’s ability to use your taste and smell sense.
- Bring back your smile
Smoking stains our teeth and impacts our breath, not to mention increases the chances of getting gum disease (which can lead to permanent lose of teeth). Quitting smoking will help your return to fresher breath and less staining.
- De-age yourself
As non-smokers are able to absorb more nutrients, including oxygen, it comes as no surprise that becoming an ex-smoker means slowing down the ‘face’ of ageing and delaying the appearance of wrinkles.
- Longer living
With around 50% of all long-term smokers dying early from various smoking-related diseases, including heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis – quitting has never been more important. Research has shown that men who quit at the age of 30 can add 10 years to their life, whilst even quitting at 60 can add 3 years to their life.
Long story short – it is never too late to benefit from quitting.
- For your loved ones
Smoking doesn’t only impact you, the smoker. It impacts everyone around you – from your non-smoking friends to the financial impact on you and your family. Breathing second-hand smoke increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease and strokes. In children, it doubles the risk of developing chest illnesses, including pneumonia, ear infections, wheezing and asthma. Also, children who are exposed to smoke are three times more likely to get lung cancer in later life. Passive smoking is not risk free.
Additional reading:
Ready to quit? Read our next blog for tips on how to get started with stopping smoking.
NHS Quit Smoking facts https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/
British Heart Foundation: Does smoking increase or reduce your risk from coronavirus?
BMJ Journals: Current smoking and COVID-19 risk
Photo by Lex Guerra on Unsplash
