Health is “a perfect state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not just the absence of disease” (WHO). Starting from this definition, we must maintain, acquire and eliminate practices for a healthy lifestyle. Nicotine is an addictive substance and addiction to cigarettes is the number one cause of preventable death.In fact, nicotine addiction is considered to be much more difficult to break than other drugs.Although studies show evidence of the damage that this practice can cause, it is very It’s common to put off when we have to take the first step.The process of quitting smoking can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
Motivation accompanied by a structured action plan will help achieve the goal of living smoke free. Usually when faced with this goal, smokers tend to think about previous attempts. According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, it has been shown that many ex-smokers made several attempts before achieving it. Although many know the risks involved in smoking. Here are some of the benefits of working with addiction and staying away from tobacco smoke:
- Improve your body: the body releases nicotine within approximately three days. Although repair is a benefit, adequate preparation must be made to manage the symptoms of these days.
- Better time management: control of your time By quitting smoking, the individual will have the autonomy to organize their day, rest and stay focused on tasks without interruptions.
- Pocket relief: cigarette taxes will be higher every time. Nowadays, knowing where we invest the money has become a necessity. Giving up smoking gives you the freedom to invest in other experiences, such as travel and good food. A pack costs approximately $10.00 dollars, for 30 days it is a total of $300.00 dollars per month.
- Recovery of taste and smell: within a few days of quitting, the sense of taste and smell will improve. The flavors of the food will improve and the ex-smoker will reduce the consumption of salt because they will enjoy the natural flavor of what they are eating. You will find yourself eating more slowly as you will be savoring the smells and flavors longer.
- Personal Hygiene: the good smell of clothes, breath and hair will improve and fingers will recover their natural color as always, leaving aside the yellow color that they usually acquire after years and years of smoking. The teeth will also have a better color again.
- Personal satisfaction: People gain a deep sense and pride of accomplishment when they give up tobacco, especially those who say that quitting smoking has been one of the hardest things they have ever done and will reduce their risk of dental disease.
- You will have more energy: you will feel more energetic because your lungs will work better. You will no longer be filling his blood with carbon monoxide. Your heart will no longer be pumping as hard to keep your muscles supplied with oxygen-rich blood. Activities like talking, walking, playing with children or working will be easier.
- Improved blood circulation: the beneficial effects for the circulatory system of quitting smoking are immediately noticeable; in fact, they occur even after tobacco users have not smoked for a while, since heart rate and blood pressure drop immediately. However, these improvements are more intense after about 3 months.
- Functional: lower risk of erectile dysfunction.
- Healthy Baby: Fewer problems during pregnancy such as low birth weight babies, preterm delivery, miscarriage and cleft lip. Babies and children will also benefit in the following way:
• Asthma that is easier to control
• Fewer visits to the emergency service
• Fewer colds, ear infections and pneumonia
• Lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The health benefits of quitting tobacco start almost immediately.
- At 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal and body temperature of hands and feet increase to normal level.
- At 8 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop and the level of oxygen in the blood increases to normal levels.
- Within 24 hours: The risk of a sudden heart attack decreases.
- After 48 hours: Nerve endings begin to regenerate and the sense of smell and taste begin to normalize.
- From 2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves and walking becomes easier. The lungs work better and wounds heal faster.
- From 1 to 9 months: You have more energy. Smoking-related symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath improve. You will have fewer illnesses, colds, and asthma attacks. Gradually you will no longer have shortness of breath with daily activities.
- One year: The risk of CHD is half that of someone who still uses tobacco.
- At age 5: The risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder is cut in half.
- At 10 years: The risks of dying from lung cancer are about half of those who still smoke.
References:
(s.f.). About the Tips From Former Smokers campaign. Retrieved March 3, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/spanish/acerca/index.html?s_cid=OSH_tips_D9413
(s.f.). Why is it difficult to quit smoking? Retrieved on May 29, 2018 from https://espanol.smokefree.gov/por-que-es-dificil-dejar-de-fumar.
(s.f.). Leave it now Leave it now! Retrieved on May 29, 2018 from http://dejaloyapr.salud.gov.pr/.
