Why You Should Quit Smoking Today
If you are a smoker it's hard to convince yourself that smoking
cigarettes is NOT good for you, especially if you enjoy your
cigarettes. Unfortunately for smokers medical research is
convincing enough to believe it is always top of the list as a
main contributory factor towards coronary artery disease.
Facts and Figures about Smoking!
Carbon monoxide and nicotine are probably the most dangerous
substances in tobacco smoke affecting the heart as...
* Nicotine stimulates the body to produce adrenaline which makes
the heart beat faster and encourages the build-up of cholesterol
deposits in arteries more quickly.
* Carbon monoxide attaches to red pigment in the blood, called
haemoglobin, thus reducing its ability to carry oxygen to the
heart and all other parts of the body. Also nicotine and carbon
monoxide may both encourage thrombosis (blood clotting).
* If you smoke you stand a greater chance of having a heart
attack.
* Cigarette smoking is a major cause of disease in the arteries
of the leg, which can lead to pain on walking (Claudication) and
further complications.
* Filter cigarettes are just as dangerous for the heart as plain
cigarettes.
If you have just had a heart attack, it is particularly
important to stop smoking, as this will halve the chances of
another attack.
Passive or involuntary smoking is when non-smokers inhale other
people's smoke; it can be as harmful as if you actually smoked a
cigarette therefore passive smoking should be avoided as much as
possible. Heavy passive smoking can be very harmful to those who
suffer with angina or heart disease and should be totally
avoided.
Most smokers accept the risk, and they hope to get away with it!
Unfortunately heart patients haven't got away with it and for
them to continue smoking is to deliberately cause further
damage. Giving up, is the first step , and a healthier heart
means a much healthier and happier you and your family.
Some tips to help you quit smoking.
* First and foremost, set a quit date and quit COMPLETELY on
that day, * Identify the times you are most likely to smoke. For
example, do you tend to smoke when feeling stressed? When you
are out at night with friends? While you are drinking coffee?
When you are bored? While you are driving? Etc.
* Keep a diary to help you determine these risky times. Record
each time you have a cigarette, including time of day and what
you are doing.
* Make a plan about what you'll do instead of smoking at the
times you are most likely to smoke. For example, drink tea
instead of coffee; tea may not trigger the desire for a
cigarette. Or, take a walk when feeling stressed. Remove
ashtrays and cigarettes from the car. * Pretend smoke with a
straw! * Let all of your friends, family, and co-workers know of
your plan to stop smoking and your quit date. Just being aware
that they know can be a helpful reminder and motivator.
* Prior to your quit date, start reducing your cigarette use,
including decreasing the number and strength of the cigarettes.
* Get rid of all of your cigarettes just prior to the quit date
and clean out anything that smells like smoke, such as clothes
and furniture.
Other tips that help you stay quit include:
* Enrolling in a smoking cessation programme (hospitals, health
departments, community centres, and work sites frequently offer
this type of programme). * Ask your health care provider for
help, they may think medication is appropriate for you.
* Find out about nicotine patches, gum, and sprays. * Try
hypnosis (It works for some people).
* Avoid smoke-filled settings and situations in which you are
more likely to smoke. * Exercise helps to relieve the urge to
smoke.
Manhealth is a site that offers advice for malehealth. Get
professional knowledge on dealing with symptoms, drug side
effects and improving your life! Visit
http://www.1st-for-manhealth.com today! Christopher Ruane