Benefits to Quitting Smoking
Why you are never too old to benefit from quitting smoking!
Are you a smoker? If so, you probably hear it all the time from your doctor. . . “You should really quit smoking! It leads to all kinds of respiratory issues.”
You think, I know, I hear it all the time, but I don’t want to quit.
Well, I’m not a doctor and I’m not going to tell you to quit smoking. I’m here to point out the benefits should you decide to quit smoking.
Did you know that you can reap the benefits of quitting smoking within twenty minutes?
Yep, that’s right, twenty minutes!
After just twenty minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
People who quit smoking tend to get fewer colds, have fewer upper respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and feel healthier.
Imagine being less susceptible to colds and the flu.
Do you have recurring bronchitis? Have you ever had pneumonia? These conditions are not fun and they hurt, and smoking helps them to recur.
Did you know? After only twelve hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal, and in as soon as two weeks to three months, your circulation improves and lung function increases.
According to the National Cancer Institute, being older creates both challenges and advantages when it comes to quitting.
The challenges of smoking:
It’s likely you’ve tried to quit before, maybe even more than once. Knowing how hard it is may make you feel discouraged about trying again. And if you’ve been smoking for a long time, it may be so much a part of everyday life, it’s hard to imagine quitting.
The advantages of quitting:
Older adults have some strengths that younger people may not have, and they are strengths that can help them quit. Over their lifetimes, they have had lots of experience accomplishing difficult tasks.
At this point in their lives, they are likely to be better prepared to quit smoking than when they were younger.
They know quitting is tough, and they know it won’t be easy, so once they decide to try again, they may be more willing to work at it to make sure they succeed.
The immediate benefits to quitting smoking:
Soon after quitting you’ll notice your breath smells better, stained teeth get whiter, food tastes better, and everyday activities like climbing stairs might not leave you out of breath as much.
You’ll also be protecting your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke. And smoking is expensive. Calculate how much money you spend each month on cigarettes for extra motivation to quit.
Are you a smoker who is worried about the smell of their breath? Do you eat mints or chew gum to make your breath smell or taste better?
Imagine not having to do that anymore. Think of the money you’ll save, not only on the cost of cigarettes but on the cost of the mints and/or gum.
Are you worried about being irritable or getting fat if you quit smoking?
Maybe you’re worried about being bored without smoking, hmm, what will I do if I’m not having a cigarette? This is when you need to have a support system in place, and something to take the place of cigarettes, and NOT food.
I wrote a blog about the best diet to help you live longer and healthier; maybe that blog can give you some ideas on what foods to eat when you choose to stop smoking.
Check it out to learn more , you may find some foods you really like, but never knew were healthy!
Some people chew on toothpicks, fiddle with a pencil, or exercise in place of smoking.
Whichever way you choose to replace the cigarettes, make sure it will work for YOU!! If it’s not going to work, then quitting won’t work.
Make sure you choose a way to quit that will work!!
Who wants to work hard at quitting smoking only to find it didn’t work.
Just remember. . . the benefits really out-weigh what cigarettes do to your body.
If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at 386-847-2322 or check out our Caregiver Support Group. Our Senior Advisors are here to walk with you through this journey.
