January 30, 2009
The Sooner You Quit Smoking the Sooner You Enjoy Better Health Part 2
My grandmother smoked for about 50 years, until she was in her late 60s. Because she was able to stop smoking when her doctor first warned her about her health, she lived a healthy, fulfilling life until her death at the age of 89.
In part one of this series I discussed some of the health benefits for those who quit smoking before they become seriously ill due to their smoking. When you stop smoking, the sinus congestion and hacking cough, common among smokers begins to decrease considerably over the next few months. Your overall energy level increases, while smoke induced fatigue begins to drop as your body systems regenerate to a peak level of functioning.
The risk of stroke drops suddenly, while you keep to your long-term commitment to stop smoking. Do you know that the risk doubles for smokers in comparison to non-smokers? Within a year, it drops by half. Within five to fifteen years, the risk drops down to the level of those who have never even picked up a cigarette.
Similar risks of larynx or lung cancer, pancreas, bladder and others will drop to that of a lifelong non-smoker. Studies show that 87% of lung cancers are those who are a long-term heavy smoker. When you stop smoking, you remove yourself from that group within a few short years.
Stopping smoking is a permanent commitment to long-term health. Its alternative leads to an increased risk of stroke, coronary disease, various cancers, COPD and other acute medical complications. You can beat the odds, when you stop smoking now!
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