Quit Smoking: Your Body Will Thank You

Most people know that smoking is related to lung cancer and emphysema. But do you know how much disability and disease it causes in your body?
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes the following damages:

1. Eyes: The risk of macular degeneration doubles, the risk of cataracts increases two to three times, and the risk of diabetic retinopathy increases.

2. Arms and legs: Smoking leads to Buerger's disease, where blood vessels swell and form clots. This can cause pain, cold hands and feet, amputations, and death.

3. Heart and circulatory system: Causes chest pain, arrhythmias, heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, narrowed and thickened blood vessels, increased plaque, low HDL ("good" cholesterol), increased triglyceride levels, weakness, paralysis, and risk of death.

4. Fertility and pregnancy: Reduces sperm count and causes erectile dysfunction in men, and may make it harder for women to conceive. It can lead to low birth weight, premature births, damage to the baby's lungs and brain, and increased risk of birth defects and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

5. Lungs: Causes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and some asthma), which slowly destroys breathing ability and can lead to death and 90% of lung cancer cases.

6. Teeth and gums: The risk of gum disease doubles, gums may swell, hurt, and recede, which can make teeth loose and painful.

7. Smoking also causes cancers of the blood, bladder, cervix, esophagus, kidneys, throat, liver, mouth and pharynx, pancreas, trachea, and bronchi.

8. According to the American Lung Association, smoking also increases the risk of developing type II diabetes. It hinders the body's immune system, making it harder to fight infections and recover from illnesses. If you already have chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, or HIV, smoking can worsen your condition.

These are the highlights of smoking, and in many cases, secondhand smoke exposure can also cause these effects. According to the CDC Foundation, the U.S. spends over $300 billion annually on healthcare and productivity losses. The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization created by Congress to promote the work of the CDC. The foundation states that smokers spend about $6,000 more per year than non-smokers.

You can do it

The motivation to quit smoking often comes from a personal crisis or epiphany.

The potential consequences of smoking can be disastrous, such as heart attacks, strokes, or liver transplants.

If you are considering quitting smoking, the CDC has an online guide that focuses on personal reasons and motivations for quitting. It includes:

1. Why you want to quit smoking and the rewards of not smoking

2. Developing a plan, including nicotine replacement therapy

3. Dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms

4. Reducing stress and other factors that may hinder quitting

In our country, you can also refer to the above four points to quit smoking.