Is Smoking so Bad?
Believe it or not, smoking can be a rewarding experience- that's why almost 1 in 5 US adults smokes cigarettes [1]. A key factor of wellness is knowing motivation. What is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Quit Smoking (video, 2:20 to 6 minutes) shows common reasons why people choose to smoke. From self-identity and friend groups to reduction of nicotine stress, many people smoke for the immediate perceived benefits.
Dopamine addiction via nicotine can make quitting seem like it's not worth it.
However, smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the US [2]. According to the CDC, not only does smoking multiply risks of coronary heart disease and stroke (#1 and #4 leading causes of US death), it increases risks of other risk factors, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and decreased physical activity. Smoking also increases lung cancer risk by 25 times [2]. Smoking risks
Many times, it's not a simple choice. The CDC states that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. Nearly 7 in 10 smokers want to quit, and 55% quit for more than one day in 2015. Despite withdrawal symptoms and relapses, more people have quit smoking than the number of current smokers. Using counseling and medication can help, and combining them is more effective than using either alone. Quitting smoking [3]
Please visit American Heart Association for more resources to quit smoking. For a deeper look at research on quitting tobacco, view HHS Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update.
Smoking damages every part of the body
I hope the this series has given you some what, why, and how of chronic disease and lowering your risks. We've covered some of the most pressing topics, so I'll be switching to posts every other Wednesday. I'd love to receive feedback and suggestions for future posts! reggie@wilsonmedicalwriting.com
Workplace Wellness Wednesday is an awareness bulletin to help you make healthy lifestyle choices. It is not a substitute for your healthcare provider.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of Tobacco Use in the U.S. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html. Accessed March 28, 2017.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/. Accessed March 28, 2017.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quitting Smoking. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/quitting/index.htm. Accessed March 28, 2017.
Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risks from Smoking. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/infographics/health-effects/index.htm#smoking-risks. Accessed March 28, 2017.
