FYI: How to Quit Smoking and Why You Should

Smoking can be addictive, and surely you are already aware of how this habit can severely impact your lungs in the long run. Kicking the habit may be difficult, but it’s important to avoid serious complications that could affect you and your loved ones. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the tobacco epidemic kills more than 8 million people every year, with 1.2 million accounting for death due to second-hand smoke.

Some smokers want to abruptly quit or “go cold turkey”, but some opt to do it gradually until the cravings no longer set in. If you’re still not considering quitting nicotine, here’s why you should change your mind.

• Smoking causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as 1.2 million premature deaths annually.

• Direct and secondhand smoking causes sudden infant death syndrome or pregnancy complications like low birth weight.

• Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, arthritis, some eye diseases, cancer, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

If you’re just deciding to take the journey towards a smoke-free life, you may find yourself worrying about withdrawal effects such as restlessness, insomnia, and other bodily changes. Here are some ways to manage if you become discomforted or if you start to notice abrupt changes in your system.

• Identify your smoking triggers. Do you smoke when you feel happy, sad, or stressed?

• Keep a craving journal to keep track of your progress.

• Find oral substitutes. When the craving hits, consider other options like mints, gum, nicotine sticks, sunflower seeds, sliced bell peppers or celery.

• Keep yourself busy with distractions. Read, watch TV, squeeze stress balls or fidget with small toys.

• Drink water or brush your teeth to freshen your mouth.

• Go to places where smoking is not permitted.

• Light incense sticks.

• Reward yourself for controlling your cravings to keep yourself motivated.

Moving past the temptation of smoking isn’t easy, but remember that there are people cheering you on as you work towards your best self.

The World Citi Med family is here to help if things get serious. To schedule a consultation, you may contact the Pulmonary Laboratory at (02) 89138380 local 219/217/201/202 or connect with us on Messenger World CitiMedical Center.

You may also call 89138380 loc. 181, 182 or 09177085843; or send us a message via Facebook @WorldCitiMedicalCenter.