Thursday, August 5, 2010

Benefits of Quitting

Almost everyone knows that smoking is bad for you but do you know all the benefits of quitting smoking? For the vast majority of smokers, quitting is the best thing they can do to improve the length and quality of life. People who quit smoking immediately begin to reduce their chances of developing heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems or infections.
Former smokers also live longer than those who continue to smoke. For example, those who quit before the age of 50 have more chance not to die within the next 15 years than those that continue to smoke. Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or early in their pregnancy reduce their chances of having a baby of low birth weight. The quitting of smoking may also reduce the possibility of stillbirth and early infant death, and improves the health of women.

Does every smoker have to quit smoking?

The benefits of quitting smoking for health are the same for all types of smokers, men or women, young and old. Even those who have developed problems related to smoking, such as heart disease, may benefit. For example, compared to smokers, people who quit smoking after a heart attack reduces by 50 percent their chances of having another attack. They also reduce by 50 percent their risk of dying prematurely.

What are the other benefits of quitting smoking?

Although reducing your chances of premature death and disease is important, it is not the only benefits of quitting.

• Think about the money you save by not having to buy tobacco, lighters, ashtrays, matches, etc..

• Your costs for cleaning clothes, carpets, furniture may fall.

• The resale value of your car and your house can go up.

• Your clothes may last longer (no chance of accidentally burning a hole in them ).

• Your premiums for life insurance and home insurance may decrease.

• Your sense of taste and smell improve. You will enjoy your food more.

• You will look and feel younger. Smoking causes wrinkles and the appearance of premature aging.

• You have more energy to do things you like.

• More yellow teeth or fingers.

•You'll be proud of your ability to overcome something so difficult. Many smokers remember the exact day they quit because it is a source of great pride.

• Cigarettes do not control your life. You give a good example for children and other smokers.

• No need to worry about which restaurant you go to or if you can smoke in a particular location.

• More looks of disapproval or feelings of guilt. More nagging from people asking when you will stop smoking.

The message is clear. It is never too late to quit smoking. The sooner you stop the better, quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, will bring many important advantages ..