About this topic
Most often, smoking starts during teenage and young adult years. During this age, you begin to socialize, become curious, and try new things. People start to smoke for many reasons like: ‚
- They think it looks cool
- To see how it feels when you smoke
- Peer pressure
- Social pleasure
- They believe it will:
- Give you energy
- Help control weight
- Make you feel relaxed
- Because family members and friends smoke
Most of us know that smoking can cause problems to our health. Even if you know that it is bad, you continue smoking. It is because when you start to smoke it is hard to give up. You can become addicted to smoking. ‚
General
Smoking is very harmful to your health. It can cause many illnesses and can affect how you look. The longer you smoke, the greater the effects on your health. You may not see any now, but as you grow older problems can happen. It is better to quit while you are young. Remember it is never too late to try to quit. ‚
There are some steps you can take to help you quit smoking: ‚
- Set a date to quit smoking.
- Know the reasons that make you smoke.
- Write down each time you smoke including the time and what you are doing. Plan ahead about what you will do instead of smoking during those times.
- Tell your family and friends about your plan to quit smoking. Let them know how to help with your plan.
- If your smoking is driven because of your peers, try to find other people to be with.
- Slowly reduce your smoking.
- Remove smoking or chew products from your home and other places.
- Avoid places and situations where you are more likely to smoke. If people close to you smoke, ask them to quit with you.
- Reward or treat yourself every time you do not smoke. Do not use food as a reward.
- Ask a doctor for help.
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What will the results be?
When you start to quit: ‚
- Blood flow improves right away.
- Your lungs become more active.
- Heart rate and blood pressure lower.
- You have less chance of having a heart attack.
After a few days to weeks: ‚
- Food tastes and smells better.
- Your lungs begin to work better.
- Breathing becomes easier.
After a few weeks to months: ‚
- You have more energy.
- Lungs become clear and work better.
- You are less likely to get colds and other lung infections.
- Risk for heart attacks begins to decrease.
- Shortness of breath decreases.
- Clogging of sinuses decreases.
When you have fully stopped smoking you will: ‚
- Lower the risk of lung cancer.
- Lower the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, voice box, bladder, pancreas, cervix, and kidney.
- Lower the risk of illnesses like stroke and heart attack.
- Preserve your eyesight and the look of your teeth and aging skin.
- Lessen the risk for having type 2 diabetes.
- Reverse bone loss.
- Lessen risk of postop problems
- Lessen risk of peptic ulcer
- Help others be healthy since they are not around secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke: ‚
It is important to know that smoking does not just affect you, it affects everyone around you. ‚
- It can cause cancer and heart disease in nonsmokers.
- It is more dangerous for babies, children, and pregnant women.
- It causes many of the same health problems in others, including your family and friends.
- The only way to stop secondhand smoke is to quit smoking. It is also important to avoid places where you and others are around people who smoke.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Exercise regularly. This may help to lower stress. Going for a walk is good exercise.
- Watch your eating habits and avoid gaining weight. Eat healthy foods and snacks to keep a healthy weight
- Change your daily routine. Try to change things. Eat breakfast at a different place or drink tea instead of coffee.
- Try to relax. Listen to music, meditate, do yoga or breathing exercises, take a relaxing bath or hot shower.
- Control your thoughts and emotions. Write or record a journal, create new hobbies, and think positive.
- Connect with family and friends. Talk to a friend, get a pet, share your problems with family members, and participate in your community.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with withdrawal signs
- Reduce your urges to smoke
Gums, lozenges, and skin patches may be given as a substitute for tobacco. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
It helps to have other people to support you when you are trying to quit smoking. Talk to your family and friends about how they can best help you. You may also want to think about support groups or counseling. ‚
What problems could happen?
You may have withdrawal signs like: ‚
- Trouble sleeping
- Being irritable
- Being anxious or restless
- Getting frustrated or angry
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Low mood
But remember that all of these will fade away the longer you keep from smoking. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Feel very nervous
- Low mood
- Have behavioral changes
Helpful tips
- Commit yourself to stop smoking.
- Remind yourself about why you quit.
- Focus on your goals.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/tobacco-tabagisme/facts-faits/teens-ados_e.php ‚
Kids and Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/tobacco/smoking.html# ‚
Smoke Free ‚
http://www.smokefree.gov/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚