Xiao Li, this addiction to cigarettes is really harmful. Back then, he had to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, and his mouth and body were full of the smell of cigarettes, and his family couldn't stand it anymore. Then one day, he looked at himself in the mirror, his dull eyes and yellow skin, and suddenly he felt a sigh in his heart and decided to quit smoking.
In the first few hours, Xiao Li was really restless, and he always felt that something was missing. But slowly, he noticed that his breathing became easier and his chest was no longer so stuffy. After five days, he felt that his whole body was more energetic, and even his appetite improved.
In this way, as the days passed, Xiao Li's body gradually regained its vitality. In the blink of an eye, it's been five years since I quit smoking. He went to the hospital for a full check-up, and the doctor told him that his risk of cancer had dropped significantly. Xiao Li was so happy in his heart that he thought: "This quitting smoking is really a wise choice!"
But then again, quitting smoking is easier said than done. How did Xiao Li do it? What are the untold stories behind it? Let's talk about it later!
01
Smoking is a serious health hazard and is recognized as one of the leading causes of various cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Tobacco smoke contains a significant amount of harmful substances, including at least 69 known carcinogens. These substances can directly enter the body and damage various organs and systems, especially the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Smoking causes health problems that go far beyond lung cancer. In addition to lung cancer, smoking is also closely related to many cancers such as oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and bladder cancer.
In addition, smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, and other diseases.
Long-term smoking can also lead to problems such as skin aging, tooth smoke stains, and increased body odor, which can affect personal image and quality of life.
The importance of quitting smoking
Quitting smoking has important health benefits. After quitting smoking, the body will gradually repair damaged tissues and organs and return to a healthy state.
According to studies, after 1-3 months of quitting smoking, the respiratory system function is significantly improved, and symptoms such as cough and phlegm are reduced;
The risk of heart attack was halved after 1 year of quitting, and the risk of lung cancer was greatly reduced after 5 years of quitting. Therefore, quitting smoking can not only reduce the risk of various diseases, but also improve the quality of life and prolong life.
Ways to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be achieved with the scientific method and a strong will. There are many ways to quit smoking, including medication, nicotine replacement therapy, psychological support, and more.
Medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking, such as nicotine extended-release tablets, dihydroergometrine, etc.;
Nicotine replacement therapy can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as nicotine oral tablets, nicotine patches, etc., and psychological support can help ex-smokers solve psychological problems in the process of quitting smoking, and enhance their determination and confidence to quit smoking.
In addition, ex-smokers can also help quit smoking through some self-management methods, such as gradually reducing the amount of cigarettes smoking, establishing a healthy lifestyle, finding alternatives, etc.
The most important thing is for ex-smokers to have a strong determination and perseverance, believe that they can quit smoking, and persevere in their efforts.
Smoking and environmental pollution
In addition to directly endangering the health of smokers, smoking can also lead to environmental pollution.
The smoke produced by tobacco combustion contains a large number of harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, formaldehyde, etc., which will not only pollute air quality, but also be deposited in soil and water bodies, affecting the balance of the ecosystem.
At the same time, smokers discarding cigarette butts everywhere can also cause environmental pollution, and the chemicals in cigarette butts can leach into soil and water sources, harming the environment and biodiversity.
Challenges and countermeasures for quitting smoking
Although quitting smoking has health benefits, in reality, many smokers face various difficulties and challenges in the process of quitting smoking. Quitting smoking can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc., making it difficult for many people to stick to it.
In addition, smoking has become a habit and social style, and ex-smokers are prone to relapse in the face of various temptations.
In order to help ex-smokers quit smoking, measures can be taken to help ex-smokers get through the difficulties of quitting smoking, such as providing psychological support, providing alternatives, and establishing a smoking cessation support group.