Lao Li, a retired worker in his sixties, has the biggest hobby of smoking cigarettes and drinking some wine. For him, tobacco and alcohol are like the spices of life, which can make him find some fun in his leisurely days.
He always smiled and said: "Life is too short, tobacco and alcohol are companions." In his opinion, there is nothing more pleasant than smoking a cigarette and sipping a glass of wine.
However, the results of a recent physical examination shattered Lao Li's peaceful life. The shadow in his lungs worries him, and the doctor sternly warns him that if he does not change his current habits, his health will not be optimistic.
In the face of such a warning, Lao Li began to examine his years of smoking and drinking habits for the first time.
He looked out the window, took a deep breath of the cigarette in his hand, and then slowly exhaled it, the smoke filling the air. At this moment, his heart was full of mixed feelings, could it be that if he did not smoke and drink, his life would be shorter? This question has been haunting his mind and has made him fall into confusion.
In fact, Lao Li's confusion is not unique. In today's society, with the improvement of living standards, people pay more and more attention to health. As a common habit in daily life, the relationship between tobacco and alcohol consumption and health has naturally attracted widespread attention.
So, does not smoking or drinking really prolong life?
In recent years, there have been more and more scientific studies and data reports that have revealed the answer. A study conducted by Peking University provides strong evidence for this.
They found that those who maintained a healthy lifestyle, especially those who did not smoke or drink alcohol, had significantly higher life expectancy than those with unhealthy lifestyle habits.
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01. The harm of smoking
The dangers of smoking are not limited to lung disease. When a cigarette is lit, it produces not only nicotine, but also tar, carbon monoxide, and many other harmful substances.
When these substances enter the body, they can cause damage to various systems. People who smoke for a long time may have varying degrees of damage to their respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems.
More seriously, smoking also increases the risk of major diseases such as lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
02. The harm of drinking
Although moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive alcohol consumption is undoubtedly a huge harm to the body.
Alcohol can damage organs such as the liver and stomach, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to liver cirrhosis, gastritis and other diseases. At the same time, alcohol can also affect the nervous system, leading to problems such as memory loss and unresponsiveness.
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So, does not smoking or drinking really significantly increase life? The answer is yes. The Peking University study found that people who maintain a healthy lifestyle have a much higher life expectancy than those who have bad habits.
Specifically, those who don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise in moderation generally live longer.
This is because they avoid all kinds of harm caused by tobacco and alcohol, and maintain the health of the body.
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01. Gradually reduce the amount of cigarettes smoking: This is a gentle way to quit smoking, by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so that the body can gradually adapt to the state of no tobacco. This approach can reduce the shock and discomfort of quitting.
02. Find alternatives to divert attention: When you feel like smoking, try chewing gum or eating healthy snacks like nuts or chocolate as alternatives.
These alternatives can meet the needs of the mouth while helping to divert attention and reduce tobacco cravings.
03. Avoid smoking triggers: Try to avoid situations and environments that are easy to trigger the desire to smoke, such as after meals, after drinking, or when you are with friends who smoke.
Also, throw away all smoking-related paraphernalia such as cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, etc., to reduce temptation.
04. Seek family support: The support and encouragement of family members is essential for the quitting process. They can provide emotional support to help ex-smokers maintain confidence and face the challenges of quitting together.
05. Develop hobbies: Divert attention by cultivating new hobbies or sports, such as mountaineering, swimming, fishing, etc. These activities not only make the body healthier, but also effective in reducing the desire to smoke.
06. Use smoking cessation medications: Under the advice of your doctor, you can consider using nicotine patches, nicotine chewing gum and other smoking cessation drugs to help reduce smoking cravings. But be sure to use it under the guidance of a doctor to ensure that it is safe and effective.
07. Firm belief in quitting smoking: clarify your goals and reasons for quitting smoking, and always remind yourself of the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Overcome the temptation of smoking cravings through strong faith and willpower.
It is the responsibility and obligation of each of us to cherish life and care for health. Let's work together now to move towards a healthier and better future!