Why You Should Quit Smoking

Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every body organ system. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The earlier you quit smoking, the more you’re likely to benefit. It is never too late – because quitting will improve your health, whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked.

Benefits of quitting smoking

Better physical health

• You’ll notice some benefits within days or weeks: your senses of taste and smell improve, you start to breathe more quickly you have more energy.
• Better blood circulation to your heart and muscles, which will make physical activity more accessible and improve lung function, leading to reductions in any cough, wheezing, or other breathing problems
• Your longer-term risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke will be significantly reduced

Better mental health

• Stopping smoking boosts mental health and well-being. Evidence shows that after the withdrawal stage of quitting, people have reduced anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Quitting smoking can improve your mental health by breaking the cycle of nicotine dependence

Better for your family and friends

• If you have stopped smoking and are physically and mentally healthy, you’re more likely able to support your loved ones – and be a part of their life in the future.
• Also, becoming a smoke-free role model means your children are much less likely to smoke.

Quitting also means protecting your loved ones from secondhand smoke, which is dangerous to anyone exposed to it, especially children.

If you are having difficulty or planning on quitting smoking, you may consult a doctor via Maxicare’s 24/7 Teleconsult Hotline, Videoconsult services powered by the Doctor Anywhere App, or Maxicare Primary Care Clinic (PCC). You may also go to a PCC or request HomeCare for lab tests and diagnostic procedures.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/benefits-of-quitting-smoking/

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