Addictive habits can be really hard to break. That’s why many people struggle with giving up things like cigarettes or smoking in general. Not only is the craving for the tobacco real, but it has become a part of your lifestyle and daily routine for many years.

While we understand how hard it is to quit, we will always encourage anyone who smokes to do so. Smoking has so many negative health benefits that you are at an increased risk of many different diseases and conditions as you age.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains more about the negative effects of smoking and how it affects your health below.

How Is Smoking Bad For You?

There are thousands of chemicals and toxins that are within tobacco, and those chemicals will directly infiltrate your body with every inhale you take. In fact, within the first 10 seconds of your first inhale, the toxins will have traveled to major organs like your brain, liver and lungs.

Over time, the tar left over from smoking will coat your lungs and you will develop respiratory troubles and breathing issues from the decreased lung capacity. In addition to lung issues, your physical appearance will start to suffer. Chronic smoking turns your skin and teeth yellow, it can cause premature wrinkles or sagging, and your hair can even start to fall out or thin.

Smoking Increases Your Risk of These Diseases

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Emphysema

What Does Secondhand Smoke Do to My Family?

You may think that smoking only affects you since you are the one partaking in it, but that’s definitely not the case. Secondhand smoke also contains thousands of chemicals and your children, spouse or other family members breathe it in on a daily basis. Even if you smoke outside, residual smoke will stick to your clothes and hair and you will expose your family to it anyway.

This smoke increases your family’s risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease and asthma even if they have never picked up a cigarette. Quitting directly removes the smoke from your family and their lungs. Find the motivation to take the first step today toward a healthier and smoke-free life.

Breaking an Addictive Habit

• Find your reason “why.”
• Take it one day and one craving at a time.
• Research different medication options.
• Consider counseling.
• Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road any day of the week.