Blake Medical Center

More Reasons to Kick the Habit

Have you been thinking about quitting smoking? Just about everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health: even smokers. While quitting smoking is easier said than done, many people are able to do it. If you smoke, here are some reasons why you should kick this nasty habit.

Prevent Lung Cancer
Smoking is the cause of almost 90% of lung cancer cases. The longer you have smoked and the more you have smoked, the greater your risk. Quitting at any time can reduce your risk.

See Immediate Health Benefits
Within 1-2 days of quitting, your blood pressure may drop and carbon monoxide levels in your blood may return to a normal rate.

Gain Immediate Financial Benefits
Think of how much money you will save by not having to purchase cigarettes. If you do quit, buy yourself something nice with your cigarette savings as a reward.

Enjoy Long-Term Health Benefits

• 10 years after quitting, your lung cancer risk is reduced by half.
• 15 years after quitting, your heart disease and stroke risk are equal to that of someone who never smoked.

Keep Your Loved Ones Healthy
Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a non-smoker’s risk of developing lung cancer.  Non-smokers who live with a smoker have a 20-30% increased chance of getting lung cancer. The risk is also increased for those exposed to second-hand smoke if they work in places such as nightclubs, casinos, and bars. 

Support Is Available
Not only is November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, but November 17 is the Great American Smokeout. This campaign, created by the American Cancer Society 36 years ago, encourages smokers to quit on this specific day. If you’re not ready to quit on the 17th, the American Cancer Society and other smoking cessation experts recommend developing a plan to quit.  

Here are some additional resources for more information on how to quit smoking.

• American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quitting Smoking
• Florida Quitline
• Quit Smoking Now group classes

If you need medical advice, you can always contact Blake Medical Center’s Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-888-359-3552. The nurses can answer questions for you and refer you to a physician who can help you assess your health.

Related Posts:
Top Tips for Lowering Cholesterol
Smoking and Diabetes

Tags: Blake Medical Center, cigarettes, hospitals Bradenton, lung cancer, quitting smoking, second-hand smoke