You may have said it yourself or heard someone say it, “I’ve smoked most of my life so why quit now?” But to quit smoking now, even in your later years, can still help improve the quality of your life, add years and save you money!
According to research that is supported by the CDC, FDA and National Institutes of Health, even if you’re 60 or older and have smoked for decades, quitting smoking WILL improve your life. What you are quitting is a physical habit yes, but let’s make no bones about it, the nicotine in cigarettes is a drug. And any drug that is not carefully prescribed by a physician is not good for you.
Approximately 1 in every 5 deaths is the U.S. is related to smoking. Smoking can lead to many different diseases and even death.
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory complications
- Osteoporosis
- Eye diseases
- Diabetes
Consider Seeking Help
If you’ve tried to quit smoking before then maybe outside help is needed. Talk with your doctor about different methods you can try as well as medications available to help with nicotine withdrawal concerns. Other ways to quit may involve finding a support group, asking a friend or family member to help, or substituting a walk or physical activity to help take your mind off of quitting.
Health Considerations for All
One huge advantage of quitting nicotine, aside from your own improved health, is the health of those you love. Secondhand smoke is dangerous to health of others including your pets. Children and babies are especially vulnerable as breathing secondhand smoke can lead to lung problems, asthma and ear infections early on. It can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS.
Substitutes Are No Better
Don’t be fooled into thinking that substituting smoking for smokeless tobacco, pipes or cigars is a better alternative. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth and pancreas and pipe and cigar smokers are also more prone to cancer of the mouth, lip, larynx, esophagus and bladder.
The same warning applies to e-cigarettes. They may seem harmless enough, but they can contain harmful substances, including nicotine. Many e-cigarettes contain flavorings which have been linked to lung disease.
If you are indeed wanting to quit smoking, the most important factor is knowing you’re not alone, and it can be done. Take heart in the fact that there is lots of help available to you and the health benefits will be enormous.
Helpful Links:
Smokefree60+
Centers for Disease Control
National Cancer Institute
American Lung Association
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