Quit smoking and live healthy

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death. Health implications to the smoker and the secondary smokers are a direct result of the smoking. Tobacco contains nicotine which is an addictive substance when used for a long period. This means therefore that to ensure a healthy life, there is need to quit smoking. This can be done with or without the assistance of professionals. Medical intervention is also used where drugs and nicotine replacement therapy are applied.

Smoking affects almost each and every part of the body. According to studies carried out, people who smoke to their old age are more likely to die from a smoking related illness. For those who quit smoking early in life they are likely to suffer from fewer consequences. The most common diseases associated with smoking include cancer. Where most people attribute smoking to lung cancer, research has indicated that it is related to many other forms of cancer.  Among them is the cancer of the mouth, kidneys, pancreases, stomach, colon, bladder and acute myeloid leukemia. The risk of developing long term lung diseases is also increased by smoking. This leads to further complications which may include emphysema and bronchitis. These two diseases are characterized by difficulty in breathing thus falling under the class of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Their major effects include chronic illnesses ad disability.

Peripheral vascular disease which is narrowing of the blood vessels that carry the blood to the arms including hands and legs is also highly attributed to smoking. It also increases the likelihood of heart attacks with smokers being twice more likely to die of the problem than non-smokers. Walls of the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain are also affected and this situation leads to stroke. More to that it has been attributed to impotence among men smokers. In order to remain safe and evade the risk of contracting all these problems it is important to quit smoking.

Medical practitioners advise highly on pregnant women to quit smoking. The reason for this is that smoking poses a great health risk to the woman and to the baby as well. Women aged over 35 years, are using birth control pills and are smokers stand a high risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots on the legs. They are also likely to miscarriage or give birth to low weight babies. Low weight babies usually have low immunity against many childhood diseases and are therefore likely to die in their young age. For those that survive, they normally develop physical or learning problems.

Irrespective of age or sex it is advisable to quit smoking early. Those who quit smoking before the age of 50 years cut their risk of death by up to 15 years compared to those who do not. Those who do it now stand a better chance of leading healthier and quality lives. At stop smoking there is adequate information regarding the consequences of smoking. Also contained on the website is numerous information regarding the benefits available for those who quit smoking.