Someone you know, perhaps even you, need to quit smoking. You
understand the dangers and realize there is not one cell in your
body that is unaffected by cigarettes and/or snuff. You even
understand that no one in your immediate vicinity is safe from
the fumes of your cigarettes or the fumes you exhale.
Yet...you find it difficult to quit. You are not alone.
Statistics from 2004 indicated that 70% of smokers want to quit,
and most people have to try more than once before they are
finally able to quit.
Getting through the nicotine withdrawal is almost the easy part.
At least it was for me so many years ago. What I remember to
this day was the voices I started hearing...the ones that told
me it was okay to have a smoke...no one was around, therefore no
one had to know. My biggest enemy then was myself. I believe if
you understand that the addicted part of your brain does not
have your best interest in mind...you fill find it easier.
Here is some great information on what happens to your body when
you quit smoking.
*Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to
return to normal. In addition the temperature in your hands and
feet increases as the effects of vasoconstriction begin to
recede.
*Within 2 weeks to 3 months after you quit, your lung functions
increase by up to 30%, continuing to improve each month.
*Your risk of a heart attack or other coronary event is
diminished by 50% within one year, and becomes that of a
non-smoker by 15 years!
*While quitting will not reduce the number of wrinkles in your
face, you can definitely stop collecting wrinkles due to smoking.
*You will smell better, taste better and feel better. You'll
have more money, more time, more friends and more life.
Today is a good day to quit. The rest of your life is waiting.
About the author:
©2005, Barbara C. Phillips, NP is the founder of
OlderWiserWomen(tm) where women are inspired to embrace the
freedom, magic and wisdom of Successful Aging. Visit
http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com for your copy of "Celebrating
You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living". In addition to writing about
women's aging issues, Ms. Phillips uses her medical background
to teach about health and wellness to those willing to listen.
