At one time or another, most people have experimented with smoking. And while it was a one-time thing or easy for some to avoid the habit, for others it led to decades of addiction. But it’s never too late to stop smoking and reap all the health benefits, say medical experts.
When he stopped smoking, Gregory Itebogeng (29) had no idea that kicking the habit would positively impact his health.
Smoking tobacco increases the risk of kidney, bladder, cervical and pancreatic cancer. The Johannesburger quit the habit after smoking for nearly 10 years. “If the craving is triggered, make an effort to do something else that occupies your attention,” he says.
While an anonymous writer from Kimberley tells Health For Mzansi that they have been smoke free for eight months “I just decided to quit and I wanted to quit.”
“We know the health risks, that smoking is expensive, smelly and disgusting, we have heard it all before. For me, personally, none of these warnings mattered. When I wanted a cigarette, I was going to smoke a cigarette,” the writer says.
Risks explained
Despite the risks, Mzansi still loves its smokes, says Cape Town emergency medical doctor, Dr Kelly Ahrendse. According to the South African Journal of Child Health, 37% of men and 7% of women smoke regularly with higher smoker percentages detected in the Western and Northern Cape provinces.
Smoking can cause disease and damage to organs including lungs, skin, eyes, bones and mouth.
“Tobacco smoke weakens the immune system and compromises the ability of the lungs to fight viral and bacterial infections,” she says. “”All types of tobacco have a high chance of causing lung, heart and brain disease. Smoking can kill you. To reduce your risk, stop smoking,” Ahrendse advises.
The damage gets real
Smoking increases your risk for developing cancers, heart disease and lung disease, warns Cape Winelands nurse Roenell Balie. “Many people think there are ‘safe’ options or ‘safe’ levels of exposure to tobacco, but tobacco is harmful!”
“We often hear that people think it is okay if they smoke cigarettes. Please hear us: cigarettes are drugs just like other substances. The negative impact on your health is undeniable.”
Balie especially warns pregnant women to quit smoking because the habit increases the chances of the baby being stillborn or born with low weight.
Here are some tips to help you change your smoking patterns:
- Replace smoking habits with healthier alternatives such as physical activities, hobbies and social activities. “Keep busy,” advises Balie.
- “Woosah.” Take deep breaths as this will help to handle stress.
- Physical activity can help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.
- Make friends and build strong social networks for peer support.
- Avoid reminders, triggers and temptations such as ashtrays and lighters
- Get professional help such as counselling, therapy or medication. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
There are several benefits to nipping your ciggie habit in the bud, says Cansa. Not only will you lower the health risks of cancer and heart disease, but quitting improves the function of blood vessels, heart and lung health.
The benefits of not smoking include:
- You won’t experience shortness of breath so often when doing a simple activity like walking.
- You will have more energy and experience less fatigue, less sinus congestion and coughing.
- Your risk of cancer and lung diseases will decrease.
- You have a better chance at a longer, healthier life.
- You’ll set the example for children and others in the community.
- You will have more cash in your pocket to provide for your family.
