(NC) We all want to lead fuller, healthier lives. There are many things that will help, like getting regular exercise, eating more fruits and veggies, getting better sleep and making time for meditation. But did you know that if you currently smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is give up smoking?
Quitting can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it’s well worth the effort, even if you only smoke every now and again. Did you know that all tobacco cigarettes carry significant risks to your health? There is no such thing as a safe cigarette – the burning of a cigarette releases over 7,000 chemicals, over 70 of which cause cancer. People who smoke are exposed to toxic chemicals, including tar, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. These harmful chemicals can cause a number of diseases, like lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema.
The only way to reduce your risk from smoking-related diseases is to avoid tobacco smoke. In fact, quitting smoking provides health benefits for everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or lifestyle. The health benefits of quitting smoking even start within 20 minutes of your last cigarette.
Health Canada says there are many options to help quit, like counselling, self-help books, nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and other less harmful sources of nicotine. The cravings and withdrawal symptoms will pass – they are only temporary – soon you will feel better than ever.
The key to success is creating a quit plan and sticking to it. The quit process involves educating yourself, understanding your triggers and having a plan to overcome them. If you slip up, learn from your mistakes and get back on track. Learn more and find helpful resources at canada.ca/tobacco.
