Smoking – Is It REALLY Bad for You?
Smoking is Great for Skeletons
In one word: YES! On so many levels and in so many ways, that little cigarette is sabotaging your life.
Nicotine addiction is one of strongest addictions out there. Quitting is never easy, but here are some motivating factors:
- Smoking is directly related to over 12 kinds of cancer, including the most lethal of all: lung cancer
- Smoking increases the risk of stroke up to 400%
- Smoking increases risk of heart disease up to 400%
- Smoking is related to infertility, risk of miscarriage and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Smoking causes bad breath and yellowed teeth
- Smoking affects the health of your family members through 2nd and 3rd hand smoke. 3rd hand smoke is the residue left on all surfaces including clothes, upholstery, counter tops, etc, when you are finished smoking
- Smoking is losing its social “cool factor”. Smoking is banned from many public areas and some employers are refusing to hire smokers despite cries of discrimination
- Smoking places a huge financial burden on users. Not only is there the cost of the cigarettes, but also the the diminished resale value of everything you purchase, increased cost of cosmetic supplies, increase health and insurance costs
- Smoking damages your overall health so your body can’t heal from the stress of everyday life. This can lead to neck pain, back pain, headaches, and an increased risk of injury
How to Quit Smoking
There is no cookie-cutter answer to that question, as we are not cookie-cutter people. Do some research and find ideas that will work for you. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Pick a “quit day” and stick to it. Preparation is key to this – do research to familiarize yourself with the withdrawal symptoms you will deal with and make a plan on how to deal with them. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of nicotine replacements like patches or gum
- Leave motivational statements or affirmations around like “You can do it!” or “You are stronger than you think!”
- Avoid the temptation to smoke by avoiding people or areas that are associated with smoking
- Make new habits. Smoking is usually associated with the daily routines of living, so shake things up a bit. Take a walk before breakfast or change your cup of coffee for tea
- Delay and distract yourself when you feel the urge to smoke. Say “I’ll just hold on for 10 more minutes” and then immediately find another activity to keep you and your mind busy. You could start a good book, go for a walk, try a new recipe, pick up a new hobby like woodworking – the possibilities are endless!
- Breathe! Take a few moments throughout the day to breathe deeply and think about all the reasons why you decided to quit and all the benefits for you and your loved ones will gain.
- Replace the calming effect of nicotine with other, healthier ways
- Reward yourself! Buy yourself a treat with the money you save or save up for a big ticket item like a vacation. Even better, find free things to do – check your local library or newspaper for things going on and get involved with the community!
What If I Fail?
The hard truth is that you probably will slip up and start smoking again. The key is not to give up! Don’t adopt the attitude that it can’t be done. Get some friends on board for a support system, call a quit help line, talk to your doctor or a counselor. Remember each person is motivated by different things- find out what works for you and stick with it.
Do you have a personal experience you’d like to share? Email, comment or give us a shout out on Facebook– we’d love to hear about it! If you need us we offer physical therapy and occupational therapy, Feldenkrais, yoga.
Synergy Healthcare offers physical therapy and occupational therapy in Spokane Valley, WA. Our highly trained therapists are ready to get you back on track fast! We try to prepare helpful articles that can help enrich your life. Have a question you want answered? Email us at info@synergyspokane.com or call at 509-413-1630 for more information. Comment below or give us a shout-out on Facebook – we love to hear whats on your mind!
