Smoking Harms Everyone

We all know that smoking is dangerous.  It can cause lung cancer, emphysema, along with a host of other conditions.  But we now also know that this doesn’t just affect the smoker, but also everyone else around them.

Cigarette smoke, even second-hand, contains over 250 different toxic chemicals.  While the cigarette may burn for only a few minutes, these compounds stay in the air for hours.  Even in small amounts, these can be detrimental to the health of people around you.  Second-hand smoke has been shown to cause cancer, heart disease, bronchitis, asthma, and other serious problems. 

These chemicals are especially harmful to children, because they are still growing and developing, and because they breathe more often and so actually take in more toxins.  Harmful effects in children include problems with physical and mental development, ear infections, and chronic lung problems.

So, what if you don’t smoke around your kids or other people?  That means your smoking doesn’t harm them, right?  Even if your family never inhales any of your second-hand smoke, that doesn’t mean they won’t be harmed if you are stricken with a smoking-related illness.  Your suffering or death affects the people around you emotionally even if you never harm them physically.  You’re also setting an example for your children and increasing their likelihood of smoking in the future.

While you may have struggled with quitting in the past, there are all kinds of products, medicines, and programs now that can help you quit.  Here are some :

1. Nicotine products.  There are now all kinds of products to help you wean slowly from your nicotine addiction.  There are patches and gums, and with the wide variety, there’s something that fits your life and preferences.  These products can help ease the pain of nicotine withdrawal, making it easier for you to quit.
2. Medicines.  If nicotine products don’t work for you, there are now other products available that will help break your addiction without using nicotine.  Your doctor can also point you towards other programs that will help you quit. 
3. Social support.  As with making any significant changes, you’re much more likely to succeed in quitting smoking if you have the help and support of others around you.  Whether it be an online support group, a friend or relative who helps encourage you, or someone who quits with you, having someone there may just be the push you need to quit. 
4. Breaking the habit.  Smoking is not simply an addiction to the nicotine, it’s also a habit.  It may be a social habit, and oral fixation, or a need to do something with your hands.  Figure out the reasons why you smoke, and find a replacement habit that is healthier - like gum chewing or taking a walk with friends.

Quitting smoking not only benefits you; it will also improve the health and well-being of your family, friends, and everyone around you.