Cutting Out Tobacco Could Change Your Health
During World No Tobacco Day, we raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and the importance of quitting. Tobacco is one of the most harmful substances that you can consume.
Harmful Effects of Tobacco
Tobacco use is harmful to nearly every organ in your body, creating pathways to numerous diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and lung diseases. What makes tobacco particularly dangerous is its chemical profile. Each exposure introduces 7,000 chemicals into your system. Many of these are toxic and can damage your DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
How Quitting Tobacco Impacts Your Health
Quitting smoking can have a significant impact on your health. When you quit smoking, you significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other health problems.
Immediate Benefits:
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Within 20 minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal levels
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Within 12 hours: Carbon monoxide disappears from your bloodstream
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Within 2 weeks to 3 months: Your circulation improves, and lung function increases by 30%
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Within 1 to 9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease
Long-Term Benefits:
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Within 1 year: Your risk of coronary heart disease drops to half that of a current smoker
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Within 2 to 5 years: Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder is reduced by half
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Within 5 years: Stroke risk drops to that of a non-smoker
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Within 10 years: Your risk of dying from lung cancer is halved
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Within 15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker
Healthier Alternatives to Tobacco
To combat tobacco use, consider healthier alternatives like nicotine replacement therapy (gum or patches), engaging in hobbies, or seeking support to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Helpful Tips to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can be a difficult journey for many people. Some helpful tips to quit smoking include:
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Reduce smoking gradually: Use patches and gums to help manage withdrawal symptoms by providing controlled amounts of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in tobacco
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Avoid triggers: Instead, use meditation and deep breathing exercises to help manage stress without tobacco
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Engage in activities: New hobbies and physical exercise can redirect focus and reduce cravings
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Seek support: Professional counseling and support groups provide emotional backing during your journey
How to Protect Your Future
If you have a history of smoking, being proactive about your health is essential. Early detection can be lifesaving when it comes to lung cancer. Here at New York Imaging Specialists, you may be eligible for a lung cancer screening designed for current and former smokers. These non-invasive screenings can detect lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate! To learn more, call (833) 269-4624.