To feel your best and live an enriching life, it’s important to prioritize your health. If you’re a smoker, one aspect of prioritizing your health would be to quit smoking. Carrying through on a decision to avoid smoking may be a long and challenging process, but it’s a major step toward a healthier life.
Within a few hours of permanently quitting the habit, your blood pressure will decrease and you’ll start to feel more energized. Results are almost immediate, and you’ll continue to feel better the longer you remain smoke-free. After quitting smoking for one month, you’ll be able to take deeper breaths and find yourself coughing less. If you continue the stick with it, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer will decline over the years.
Some people who have smoked for extended periods may fear it’s too late to quit, but this is not true. It’s never too late to stop smoking – and when you do, your health will improve at any point of time. Still, it’s more beneficial to quit smoking early on.
People who quit smoking significantly lower their risk of developing cancer, lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and blood vessel diseases. They also get sick less often and heal faster. The benefits of smoking are almost limitless – you’ll even find that your senses of taste and smell will improve.
If you don’t think you can stop smoking for yourself, then quit for the people you care about. By staying smoke-free, you can reduce your family members’ exposure to secondhand smoke. Your children will also be less likely to start smoking if you don’t smoke – and if you’re pregnant, your baby will benefit from a better flow of oxygen. For help with quitting, please contact Big Bend AHEC at (850) 224-1177 or the Florida Tobacco Quit Line at 1-877-U-CAN-Now
Capital Health Plan is here to help you on your wellness journey. Consider participating in CHP’s upcoming Walk With a Doc outing on Nov. 18 in Cascades Park. Join other members of the community and Dr. Amy Neal as they engage in light exercise and informative conversation. Your body will thank you for taking the time to better yourself and stay active.
Sourced By: Healthwise
Reviewed By: Capital Health Plan Physicians Group
Posted: November 1, 2023