Smoking Facts

It’s advertised on every pack of cigarettes, as well as on TV public service announcements – smoking can cause any number of health problems and may even lead to death.

Smoking cigarettes has been linked to cancer, heart disease and numerous respiratory issues. Moreover, not only is it a health risk to the person who smokes, but the dangers of secondhand smoke are continuing to emerge.

Smoking is a physical addiction – nicotine from cigarettes enters the bloodstream and produces a calming effect on the body and mind. The more a person smokes, the more tolerance they build up for nicotine, and the more severe the withdrawal symptoms if they don’t smoke. This is how the addiction grows.

Because of this addiction, attempting to quit smoking can have a mental and physical impact. Today, however, there are many resources on hand to make quitting smoking as easy as possible. Not to mention that there is more understanding of the condition – talking to a doctor and becoming informed about quitting smoking is the first step in your path to overcoming the addiction.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. In the U.S., roughly 23 percent of men and 18 percent of women smoke.
  2. Those exposed to secondhand smoke (but who do not smoke themselves) increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and their risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent.
  3. By the age of 60, only one-third of people who try to quit smoking permanently will succeed.
  4. Studies show most smokers make two to three attempts at quitting before they are successful.
  5. In the U.S., approximately 400,000 people die each year from smoking- and tobacco-related diseases.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What damage has smoking done to my health? If you’re a chronic smoker, there may already be irreparable damage to your body. Ask your doctor for a full evaluation of potential health issues that may be caused by smoking.
  2. How do I quit? Quitting could involve a combination of smoking cessation products and willpower. Ask your doctor about products that may be helpful, and discuss a treatment plan that will work for your life.
  3. How can I prevent a relapse? Many former smokers say the craving never completely goes away, but there are things you can do to keep yourself on track. Discuss various methods with your doctor so you can avoid a relapse.

Also Known As: Cigarettes, quit smoking, dangers of smoking

Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.

Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.