Every year there is a dedicated day to remind you, help you with this habit.
Every year thousands commit to quitting and a great deal are successful. I know people that plan on New
Years Day that they will stop the third Thursday of November. That is fine, just keep the promise to oneself.
Anyone who has ever smoked, chewed, vaped etc understands the difficulties. Even those of us that never
smoked can partially understand. It is an addiction, understood. And unless you have walked in a smokers'
shoes, you can't fully understand.
Let's look at facts. If you pay $7 per day for one pack, 365 days per year, $2,555, 2 packs per day $5110/year.
If you pay $10 per day, one pack, 365 days per year, $3650, 2 packs per day, $10,220./year.
Harmful effects of nicotine: smoking causes 20% of all cancer deaths. It can cause cancer in the lungs, mouth,
larynx, esophagus, throat, pancreas, kidneys, cervix, liver bladder and more. Frightening. Smoking is the most
significant risk factor or COPD (pulmonary disease), stroke, heart attack and vascular disease, ie aneurysm.
Lastly, smoking can cause type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases and eye problems.
The fact that the list of health issues is too lengthy to list should send a clear message.
What to do: Enlist the help of a few supportive friends, ask for encouragement. Join a gym. It will be difficult
at first as your lungs are smaller and black, but they will get better. A heavy smokers' lungs can look like coal.
Pink is normal. That will improve. Chew gum, nicotine gum, patches or ask your HCP for medication
to help with the cravings. Hypnosis? Set a date to quit. Some people just put it down. My dad quit,
it amazed me. I think he smoked for 40,plus years, 2 packs per day, then just quit. He was afraid of the
consequences. I think reward systems are helpful. If you quit, promise yourself something nice with all the
money you are saving, but not until after 6 months. Develop new habits, ie first thing in the morning, don't
light up, take a shower or do something different. After a meal find something different to do, ie a cup of tea
or coffee, a walk, anything to change the focus.
Remember, you are worth it. Your health is at stake and I know you want to make better choices.
Good luck to you! Most importantly, congratulate yourself for trying. It isn't easy, but.......
American Cancer Society