Smoking kills you, that's the slogan written on cigarette packs accompanied by other statements to stop smoking habits. Almost all smokers know that smoking is not good for health, but smokers usually have difficulty stopping because cigarettes contain nicotine which is addictive. Unfortunately, many smokers also close their eyes to the negative effects that are not only felt by the smoker himself, but also by those around him who become passive smokers.
Quitting smoking does require a high degree of optimism and commitment, because if you are in a smoker's environment, usually your smoking habit can return to being active again at any time. However, when viewed from the benefits, quitting smoking is the right choice to maintain health while protecting people around from the dangers of cigarette smoke.
Lung Condition After Quitting Smoking
Smoking can reduce lung capacity and will make breathing more difficult. When you stop smoking within two weeks, air circulation in the body improves. A study conducted by the University of Michigan said that lung function improved by about 30% after two weeks of quitting smoking. Then, if you stop smoking for one month, lung function will improve so that the intensity of coughing and shortness of breath decreases.
With well-functioning lungs, the body will be more energized and healthy. Your breath becomes lighter, so you don't get tired easily when doing physical activities, such as when climbing stairs, lifting heavy loads, or walking. If you stop smoking consistently for up to five years, there will be a 50% reduction in the risk of developing lung cancer.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Other Body Organs
Apart from having an effect on lung health, quitting smoking also has a positive impact on the heart organ. After quitting smoking for one year, the risk of heart attack will be reduced by 50%. The risk of heart attack will continue to decrease in the following phases.
In addition, quitting smoking will also keep your body away from various diseases, such as cataracts, impotence, oral cancer, uterine cancer, throat cancer, as well as impotence and fertility problems.
Then, by not smoking, the smell of cigarettes will automatically disappear from your body. Other effects that can be felt are fresher breath, less porous teeth, and yellowish nails will turn white again so that your appearance will look cleaner and fresher.
One of the things that is no less important as a positive impact of quitting smoking is keeping your family and those closest to you from the dangers of cigarette smoke. Passive smoking itself is at risk of pneumonia, heart disease and stroke, especially children with a weak immune system. So, don't let your loved ones suffer serious illness because of your smoking habit.
This is the right time for you to quit smoking. Even though it's not easy, there's nothing wrong with doing it slowly. Without smoking, you can enjoy life free from the threat of disease that can come at any time. There's no need to hesitate to ask for support from those closest to you so you can consistently live a smoke-free lifestyle for a better life. #LiveExcellently