May 7, 2008
Why Quit Smoking - What's the Big Deal - Part 1
Whilst one of the most pleasurable habits is smoking, it only remains pleasurable up to a point. After all, that’s why people smoke, for the kick.
However, a great deal of meaning is placed into that innocent phrase ‘up to a point’. While the short term benefits of smoking do exist, so does the harm that is caused by the habit, which is potentially more serious and long lasting. Here are some reasons to quit smoking.
There are many common factors that lead to someone to smoke including stress, peer pressure and other psychological factors. It is viewed by many people as a simpler way to substitute a toxic chemical for a healthier way of dealing with these factors. However, the long term consequences can be terrible.
It has been officially estimated that 87% of lung cancer cases can in actual fact be attributed to long term, heavy smoking. The odds of smokers having a stroke are 2 to 4 times higher than those people that do not smoke.
The risk of coronary heart disease is the same. The statistics for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) such as emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis, are just as frightening. Approximately 80% to 90% of COPD cases are among those who smoke.
It took a few generations to establish these specific scientific facts. However, there are thousands of studies that associate smoking with ill health effects. Whilst it is still not fully understood as to the exact causes and links between smoking and stroke or cancer, the association is overwhelming.
For example, the relationship between the increased build up of fatty deposits on the arteries due to smoking is well established. It is also plain to see the effects on the lungs as tar builds up in the alveoli. The hacking that smokers have reduces energy and other effects do not require scientific study to know what they are.
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