There are no ifs, ands or (cigarette) butts about it — smoking is bad for your health and one of the hardest habits to quit.
According to the CDC, “cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. In 2016, more than 15 of every 100 U.S. adults aged 18 or older (15.5%) smoked cigarettes.”
This means that an estimated 37.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes, and more than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.
Are you a part of the 37.8 million? Smoking is the cause of multiple health problems such as heart disease, lung cancer, muscle and bone deterioration, and so much more. Knowing what happens to your body when you inhale smoke compared to what happens when you quit is enough motivation to want to put your cigarette down, but to actually do it may require some help. Read on to learn more.
Do you really know what happens to your body when you smoke?
While most people are aware smoking is bad for the heart and lungs, it actually harms almost every part of you, taking a drastic toll on your brain, heart, blood and immune system, muscles, bones, and more. You can visit smokefree.gov for a detailed list of the many health effects smoking can have throughout your body. Here are just a few — and some may surprise you:
- Brain
Your brain becomes addicted to the nicotine smoking gives off, and once the nicotine is gone, you may have feelings of anxiousness and irritability. - Heart
Smoking raises your blood pressure drastically. The more you smoke, the more stress you’re adding to your heart. This added stress can result in less blood being pumped throughout your entire body, not only bad on your heart, but also every part of you depending on blood supply. - Lungs
Smoking not only scars your lungs, it also causes emphysema, and cilia and respiratory infections. Emphysema leads to shortness of breath and, in some cases, death. - Blood and Immune System
Smoking produces a high white blood cell count; these blood cells are known for fighting off infection. The higher the cells the more stress that’s added to your body, which can lead to an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. - Muscles and Bones
As you smoke, less blood and oxygen are able to get to your muscles, which then causes increased muscle deterioration. Smoking has also been proven to cause brittle bones, meaning if you fall, you’re more prone to break a bone rather than sustain only a minor injury.
While smoking causes damage to major organs and systems within your body, it can also affect areas such as your eyes, ears, mouth, face, and even your DNA.
Now for the good news — what happens to your body when you quit smoking
No matter how long you’ve been smoking, quitting the habit has major benefits for you and your body! You’ll be amazed at what happens even just minutes after you put down that cigarette.
20 minutes after you stop smoking, your blood pressure and pulse start to go back to normal. 24 hours after quitting greatly reduces your chance of a heart attack. One to two weeks after, your blood circulation and lung function improve. Give it a year, and your risk of getting coronary heart disease is half as high as those who smoke.
To learn more on the positive health effects of a smoke-free body, take a look at this article, then get the help you need to quit with the tips below.
Breaking the habit may not be easy, but it’s most definitely worth it, and we know you can do it! By taking the right steps and not giving into temptation, smoking can be a thing of the past.
- Find a reason.
Maybe it’s the health benefits we’ve mentioned or to be there for your family — start with a reason and remind yourself of it often. - Stay busy.
Now’s a great time to find a new hobby! - Avoid triggers.
Identify when you typically smoke and be sure to stay clear of such situations or choose to do something else like chew gum or go for a walk. - Find new ways to relax.
Get a massage, go for a walk, or listen to soothing music. - Rid your house of temptations.
Throw out ashtrays and lighters and open your windows to freshen the air. - Eat healthy and exercise.
This can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. - Get the support you need.
Staying positive and believing in yourself can be difficult. Don’t give up! Surround yourself with family and friends for support or find a trusted accountability partner who you can talk to and who can help you stay on a healthy path. - Think of all the money you’ll save!
It costs $6.31 for a pack of cigarettes (10 cigarettes per pack) in Michigan. How much is that weekly, monthly, yearly? If you were to go through one pack of cigarettes per day, you’d pay $44.17 per week, $176.68 per month, and $2,120.16 per year. That’s a lot of cash you could be saving. Not to mention, as you become more hooked on smoking, you’ll start to develop health issues that become even more expensive than your yearly expense of buying a pack of cigarettes. Break the habit, don’t break the bank.
Smoking is one of the most addictive habits you can have. Make the smart choice and gain your healthy body back, add years to your life, and put down the cigarette once and for all. We believe in you! At Muskegon Surgical Associates, our team of certified experts is here to help you live a healthier life. To learn more about our services, visit the MSA website or contact us at (231) 739-9461.