Save Your Loved Ones: Quit Smoking
Smoking is disgusting. Absolutely and completely disgusting; not only does it kill your organs and destroy your body, it makes your teeth yellow and your entire body smell. How is that not enough to prevent you from smoking? Unfortunately, it is not enough to prevent non-smokers from taking up this nasty habit or for current smokers to quit. The Surgeon General, Health Canada and every other health professional on the planet has issued a warning to smokers that it will kill you and that your overall health and hygiene is gross thanks to your pack a day habit.
That said, smoking is an addiction, which means quitting is not easy for smokers. Cold turkey may work for some – expectant mothers come to mind – but it does not work for everyone, which is why other methods must be employed to help smokers quit. Look at the facts: smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable disease in many countries, such as the United States and Canada. With all of the unpreventable diseases out there, such as breast cancer and leukemia, why would you want to voluntarily place yourself and your loved ones – who are unwillingly subjected to your second hand smoke – to an increased risk of deadly, preventable diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease?
In addition, smoking is terrible for your physical appearance. Smoking yellows your teeth, causes horrible breath, foul smelling hair and even turns the whites of your eyes a shade of yellow that is not flattering on any skin type. In addition, your skin wrinkles and you look years older than you actually are. If this doesn’t speak to the vain – nothing will. Smokers are the type of people no one wants to kiss and no one can stand to smell. When a smoker passes a non-smoker on the street, even for a brief second, rest assured that the non-smoker immediately wrinkles her nose and silently thinks, “I hate smokers.”
Another aspect to consider when it comes to quitting smoking is cost. Smokers spend thousands of dollars every year on cigarettes. In some places, a person spends, on average, $5 per pack and in other places it is as high as $10 per pack. For a smoker that goes through a pack a day, that amounts to between $1,800 and $3,650 per year. In addition, smokers cost taxpayers millions of dollars per year in health care costs.
Quitting is not easy, which is why you need the support of your loved ones and oftentimes help such as a nicotine patch or other smoking aid. However you decide to quit smoking, keep in mind the benefits you will receive from your decision; it will help you on days you want to have a cigarette. You have extra money, your body is healthier, you smell better and strangers don’t flinch at your smell as they pass you on the street or in the grocery store. In addition, you won’t have to excuse yourself from the table during dinner to step out for a smoke and miss the stimulating conversation. And you will be a better example to your children.
A new article citing heart disease and stroke statistics by Kanetix.ca illustrates how deteriorating smoking can be. Quit today and be a winner.
