When I was about 9 I would
occasionally spend the night at my grandma’s house. I looked forward to staying with her, but I
worried about her because she had emphysema caused by years of smoking. I remember her fighting for a breath and
needing to rest when we walked to the pool (not even a block away). At night when I heard her coughing and
wheezing I prayed she wouldn’t die. At
the age of 69 she died of smoking related diseases (emphysema and congestive
heart failure).
For most it is not easy to
stop smoking. There may be relapses, but
don’t give up trying to quit! The
benefits you will receive from quitting are numerous and happen almost
immediately! Twenty minutes after you
stop smoking your heart rate and blood pressure drop (American Cancer Society,
2014). When you quit smoking you lower the risk of lung cancer and many other
types of cancer as well as reduce the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke,
and peripheral vascular disease (CDC, 2013).
You will also reduce wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath when
you quit smoking (CDC, 2013).
The harmful effects of
smoking not only affect you, but your family members and friends. Everyone will benefit when you quit
smoking! Quitting will be the best
health change you make!
References:
American Cancer Society.
(2014). When smokers quit –what are the
benefits over time?
smoking/guide-to-quitting-smoking-benefits
Center for Disease
Control. (2013). Morbidity and mortality.
Retrieved from:
Center for Disease
Control. (2013). Smoking cessation. Retrieved
from:
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