10 Reasons to Quit Smoking
It just may be the best New Year's resolution ever! Why? It impacts you, your family, your friends and your coworkers. Please take a minute to read my top 10 reasons to quit smoking now.
10. Smoking Makes You Look Bad.
Not only does it affect your skin tone, it stains your teeth yellow and causes wrinkles.
9. It Ruins Your Stuff.
Your car turns into an ashtray on wheels, your walls turn yellow and it makes your clothes stink.
8. It Costs A LOT.
Not only does it cost a lot to buy a pack of cigarettes (at $4.50 a pack, it costs $1,624.50 a year to smoke a pack a day), but it is estimated to be at least $10 a pack in healthcare costs.
7. Second-Hand Smoke Hurts Your Loved Ones.
Your smoking affects the health of those closest to you. A non-smoker's risk of lung cancer rises 20-30% when living with a smoker. Children exposed to second-hand smoke have an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, colds, pneumonia and asthma.
6. Smoking Causes Cancer.
Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and death from cancer.
5. It Also Causes Other Diseases.
Smoking also causes heart disease, stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and higher risk of pneumonia, SIDS and erectile dysfunction.
4. Smoking Exposes You To Dangerous Chemicals.
Tobacco smoke contains over 50 chemicals known to cause cancer.
3. It Can Kill You.
Tobacco kills 50% of its regular users.
2. You Don't Have To Do It Alone.
There is help. These organizations have been helping people quit smoking for a long time:
- American Cancer Society - Quit For Life Program
- National Cancer Institute
- American Heart Association
- American Lung Association
- Centers for Disease Control
Michigan Tobacco Quitline: 800.784.8669 (coaching, nicotine replacement therapy and free smokers' quit kit).
1. I Told You Too.
As your healthcare professional, I strongly advise you to quit smoking for your health and the health of your loved ones.