Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Want to Stop Smoking? Help is Available.

Do You Need Reasons to Stop Smoking? I know I did. Once there were more reasons to stop than to continue smoking, my choice became clear. Hiding from my nieces and nephews so I could smoke. Seeing my niece at the age of 4 mimic me smoking. Then, in my late 30’s I began to notice physical changes – changes in my skin, decreased circulation, decreased endurance, huffing and puffing walking up stairs. A chronic cough. Getting more colds and bronchitis, especially in the winter. The disgusting smell on my hair, my skin, my clothes, my breath. Nasty taste. The cost. Being outside a party, by myself and seeing everyone else inside having fun. I realized, I was missing out on life.

What are Your REASONS to STOP? “My health” is the #1 reason people tell me they want to stop smoking. Your HEALTH is an excellent reason to make positive lifestyle changes.

“The First Wealth is Health.”  -Ralph Waldo Emerson.                                                       You have but one life to live. Choose to live it well.

Cigarette Smoking Causes:

LUNG CANCER – Cigarette smoking is the # Cause of Lung Cancer (80-90%)

• Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
• 1 out of 4 Cancer Deaths are from lung cancer.
• More people die each year from lung cancer than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined
• The rate of lung cancer in men has dropped 32% for men, but risen 94% for women

OTHER CANCERS. Smoking causes cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon, and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

INFLAMMATION and IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION – Making you more at risk of illness, including colds, cancers and heart disease.

HEART DISEASE – Cigarette smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease by itself. When it acts with other factors, it greatly increases risk. Smoking increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance and increases the tendency for blood to clot. (American Heart Association.)

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Can Save Lives.

The most important thing you can do to lower your lung cancer risk is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor about your risks, screening and how to stop smoking.

It’s Your Life – Take Good Care of Your Lungs. Take Good Care of Your Health.

Decrease Risk Factors –

• Stop Smoking (Best thing you can do is ‘never start.’ )
• Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
• Avoid exposure to radon* and other chemicals
• Eat healthy, balanced meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. (Ask your doctor for recommendations.)

*Have your home tested for radon – Contact your local public health department or the American Lung Society for information on radon testing. More information on Radon Here.

‘Stop Smoking’ Today. Help is Available – Tobacco use and nicotine addiction is complex. Stopping smoking may require a comprehensive, collaborative approach. Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers contain nicotine, the addictive component in cigarettes.

Stopping Smoking is the Single Most Important Step you can take to improve their longevity and quality of life.

• American Cancer Society – Quit for Life
• American Lung Association – Freedom From Smoking
• Lahey Healthcare Freedom From Smoking 
• Massachusetts Make Smoking History 

The GOOD News – The minute you stop smoking, your health begins to improve.                     Help and support are available for those that want to stop smoking.

Ask Your Physician – about your lung health, prevention of disease, screening, diagnosis, treatment and recommendations to stop smoking. If you have lung disease or have undergone lung surgery, ask your physician about Pulmonary Rehabilitation.**

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