Smoking is an addictive and dangerous habit. It can seriously damage your body while also shortening your life expectancy. Your general medicine professional recommends quitting smoking earlier than later. Here are all the reasons why you should quit smoking today. 

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

The biggest risk that comes with smoking is damage to your lungs and body. When you quit, you decrease your chances of developing lung and throat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, kidney disease, and emphysema. Quitting gives you a shot at a healthier and happier life. 

Smokers have an increased risk of complications due to anesthesia and other respiratory issues during surgeries. There is a big chance that an infection will occur that will require readmission to the hospital. 

Your personal life will blossom completely. Besides feeling much better, you’ll look healthier too. Smoking leads to stained teeth along with wrinkled and dull skin. Quitters also report increased energy levels and less respiratory issues like coughing. Even your sense of taste will improve! 

If you are a smoker and have children, they have inevitably been exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoke can stick to your clothes and skin, coming in close contact with your kids. Quitting halts this exposure, reducing the development of respiratory and ear infections. 

Smoking isn’t a cheap habit. A 1-pack-per-day habit rounds up to spending over two thousand dollars a year. That’s a lot of money! Quitting is a great way to fatten up your wallet for extra spending money. 

How to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is much easier said than done. It is an addiction, just like any other substance. Your general medicine professional states that what works for one person won’t work for another. It all comes down to your level of addiction and smoking patterns. The best way to quit is by combining multiple methods. 

The first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your general medical doctor. They can determine how dependent you are on nicotine. This gives them insight into developing a plan that works for you. 

Most smoking cessation plans focus on using medicine and behavioral therapy. Common pharmaceuticals used are varenicline and bupropion. There are also nicotine replacement therapies, known as nicotine gum or patches. 

The PQRS Strategy

• Prepare: Give yourself some time to accept and prepare for quitting. For optimal results, prepare for 14-30 days. 
• Quit: Start using anti-craving medication and nicotine replacement therapy. These will curb the urge to smoke. 
• Relapse Prevention: Identify the triggers that make you want to smoke. Teach yourself new coping skills for these situations. 
• Stress Management: Find other ways to deal with stress that isn’t tobacco.