deciding when it’s time to quit smoking

It’s always a good time to quit smoking. Whether you just started smoking or have smoked for years, there are numerous benefits to leaving nicotine in the dust.

Why People Wait

If you’ve smoked for many years, you’ve likely developed a nicotine dependence. Many people hesitate to quit smoking because they fear the side effects of withdrawal. Those may include nausea, headaches, irritability, coughing, insomnia, and depression. The good news is those side effects are temporary and will ease over time.

Reasons to Eliminate Smoking

• Roughly 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
• Smoking raises your risk of developing other cancers.
• You increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease and chronic lung disease when you smoke.

The Benefits

Smoking is the most preventable cause of disease. The benefits of quitting will begin within the first hour after your last cigarette.

• Your heart rate will drop to an average level within the first hour after quitting.
• The level of carbon monoxide in your body will decrease within 12 hours.
• You lower your risk of heart attack and stroke after two weeks without smoking.
• After a year without smoking, you reduce your risk of coronary artery disease by 50%.
• Your body will begin to repair itself, and you’ll notice increased endurance and energy.
• Side effects like coughing and trouble breathing decrease the longer you go without smoking.
• Quitting smoking lowers your risk for mouth, nose, esophagus, lung, kidney, bladder and pancreatic cancers.
• You can add years to your life if you quit. That means you have more time to do the things you love with the people you love.

How to Quit Smoking

Set a quit date: This gives you time to prepare a plan. However, setting the date too far into the future may affect your commitment.

Decide how you’ll quit: Are you going to quit cold turkey, or do you want to take a gradual approach? Each person is different and will have their own way to ensure they kick the habit.

Consider nicotine replacements: You can try over-the-counter items like gum, lozenges and patches to help you adjust to life without smoking. Nasal sprays and inhalers are available by prescription, so ask your doctor about your options.

Include your loved ones: Talk to your friends and family about your plan to quit smoking and how they can help. You may have to ask other smokers not to smoke in front of you if the temptation is too great. Including others in your plan will also help keep you accountable.

Embassy Healthcare is committed to supporting our residents in their efforts to eliminate nicotine use. Contact us to learn more about our services and clinical capabilities.