The Effects Of Smoking On Health
- Jun 22, 2015
- 2 min read
Smoking is bad because the nicotine in the tobacco is addictive.
When you smoke you feel calm and alert; you experience a temporary mood boost. When the effects wear off your mood is altered and the craving returns. Because of the personal benefits quitting is not easy.
Tobacco smoke contains about 7, 000 chemicals, about 70 of them cause cancer; others are toxic.
Smoking is major cause of premature deaths.
Smoking harms almost every organ in the body and is a health risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD’s), such as cancer, heart disease, strokes, asthma, respiratory disease and pneumonia.
Fortunately, smoking is an avoidable/modifiable health risk factor that is due to choice. Smoking can be modified, smokers can quit. It is their choice.
Smoking and Chronic Diseases
Smoking is one of the causes of noncommunicable diseases.
Smoking has been identified as a significant cause of heart disease the # 1 killler and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), it takes the lives of millions annually.
Smoking is a major cause of tuberculosis.
Exposure to second hand smoke can cause respiratory illnesses in those exposed to it.
When compared to non-smoking, smoking increases the risks of:
Coronary disease by 2 to 4 times
Strokes by 2-4 times
Lung cancer in men by 23 times
Lung cancer in women by 13 times
Deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 12-13 times.
Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels which can obstruct the large arteries in the legs and arms for peripheral vascular disease.
Smoking is a major health concern globally.
Smoking cessation is at the top of the list of activities for smokers, in order to prevent diseases and premature death.
Smokers can learn to make smoking cessation a part of their self care plan by joining our FREE health program. Click here to join.
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