Why Quit Smoking

Most smokers are aware that smoking is bad for them, and is associated with a long list of diseases. However, they aren't able to quit because it is just too hard. Smoking is a strong addiction, and if you're still asking yourself 'why should I quit smoking?', you are unlikely to meet with success of addiction recovery. A motivating factor should be the fact that estimates say that about half of the people who don't quit smoking will die of smoking-related health issues. The first step to quitting is to list your reasons to stop smoking. It is understandable if you can't seem to see any at this point of time, so we're here to help you with some. The first step on the road of recovery is acknowledging that the pros outweigh the cons. After that, you could get in touch with a tobacco treatment specialist or join a treatment program, to help you make the transition, or give it a go on your own.

Reasons to Quit Smoking

Health
The primary objection that most people have against smoking is the damage it does to your health. Apart from far reducing your risk of developing serious conditions such as coronary heart disease and cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas, many of the health benefits are instantly experienced. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your blood pressure decreases, pulse rate drops and body temperature of the hands and feet increases. Within 24 hours your chance of suffering a stroke decreases, and in between 2 weeks to 3 months, your circulation improves, walking becomes easier and lung function increases. A month after you quit, you will find a decrease in coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Money
A great motivator is money, for you will make significant savings if you quit smoking. At present, an average pack of costs about $4.50, and if you smoke about a pack a day, then that's $135 a month, and $1620 a year going up in a whiff of smoke. Throw in the extra money spent on dry cleaning and higher health insurance premiums, and you'll probably be able to afford a cruise from the money you'll save in a year. Or you could spend the money on something you've wanted for a while.

Family
The health of your family and friends is compromised by passive smoking. Passive smoking puts your kids at an increased risk of developing ear and respiratory infections. If you quit, not only will you be a good role model for your children, you will also spare your spouse the increased risk of heart disease or lung cancer. Women will save their unborn child from nicotine withdrawal.

Reproduction
Most people are aware that smoking negatively impacts ones ability to procreate. Those men and women who wish or plan to start a family should seriously consider quitting. Men who smoke have a lower sperm count and more abnormal sperm than nonsmokers. Women smoking cigarettes have increased difficulty getting pregnant as compared to nonsmokers, and also have a higher rate of miscarriages during pregnancy.

Physical Benefits
Many of the physical' concerns that smokers have, will be cut out of your life. You will no longer have to worry about your breath and clothes smelling of smoke. If that sparkly smile was so far unattainable due to nicotine stains on your teeth and fingers, then it will now be! Another well-known smoking fact is that smoking ages you, so quitting will help you retain your youthful appearance for longer.

These are just some answers to the question 'Why Quit Smoking?', though the list goes on. Know that quitting will improve your quality of life. Not only will food will taste and smell better, you will also have more energy, and will stop wheezing. If you've been told to and are wondering on why you should quit smoking before surgery, the reason is that it will reduce your risk of certain complications. Alternately smoking will increase the risk of infection and slow down healing. Also if you're thinking of not quitting smoking, because it will make you gain weight, know that it is avoidable by making diet and exercise part of your quit-smoking plan. If I've not done enough to convince you, read some 'why quit smoking stories', for these real life experiences are sure to inspire you!