Lao Zhao, a 30-year-old smoker, was leisurely smoking his midday "rest stick", and the smoke was wrapped around his fingers, which seemed to have become a part of his life. Xiao Chen, a young doctor, frowned slightly, apparently not very comfortable with the lingering smell of smoke.
"Uncle Zhao, you have to smoke less," I just read a research report two days ago, saying that long-term smoking, there will be some obvious warning signs in the body, and I really can't take it seriously. ”
When Lao Zhao heard this, the corners of his mouth rose, with a little self-deprecation and helplessness, "Xiao Chen, your uncle's 'old friend' in this half of his life, how can he quit if he says that he can quit." Besides, I'm in good health, isn't there anything wrong with me? ”
Xiao Chen shook his head and decided to speak with facts, "Uncle Zhao, you may not know that long-term smoking has a lot of warning signs in the body. These are all ultimatums from the body. ”
01. Smoking is a causative factor for many types of cancer
Smoking is a common habit that carries a heavy health burden and is one of the main causes of many cancers. According to the available data, smoking is closely associated with the occurrence of at least ten types of cancer.
The mechanisms by which smoking causes cancer are complex and diverse, and at the heart of it lies in the large number of harmful chemicals produced during the burning of tobacco. These substances contain not only strong carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines, but also radioactive elements such as polonium-210.
Together, they act on the body's cells, causing DNA damage and promoting abnormal cell proliferation, which can eventually lead to cancer. The particles released by polonium-210 through radioactive decay can directly damage cellular DNA and increase the probability of gene mutation, which is an important way for smoking to cause cancer.
In addition to direct cell damage, smoking also affects the immune system, reduces lymphocyte activity, reduces the body's ability to fight diseases, and indirectly promotes the development of cancer.
It is important to note that the health threat posed by smoking also varies among different gender groups. Male smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer, stomach cancer, etc.
In addition to the same risks as female smokers, they may also increase the risk of gynecological cancers such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. These differences reflect the comprehensiveness and complexity of the hazards of smoking.
02. Quit smoking as soon as possible if you have 3 symptoms in your body
Chest tightness, shortness of breath, poor breathing: On smoky days, the lungs silently endure endless attacks. When one day, you find that after climbing stairs, brisk walking, or even daily activities, your chest feels like a boulder and it becomes difficult to breathe, it may be more than just a sign of physical decline.
Lung inflammation, fibrosis and even lung cancer caused by long-term smoking may greatly reduce the efficiency of the lungs, which are the oxygen of life. Chest tightness and shortness of breath, it's the lungs that are crying out for help and telling you it's time to keep tobacco out of your life.
Frequent coughing, throat irritation: Waking up in the morning, bouts of dry coughs seem to become a daily ritual. You think it's a throat clearing, but it's actually a brand left by tobacco. Long-term smoking, the harmful substances in the smoke irritate the respiratory tract, causing persistent cough and even dry cough without phlegm.
This cough is different from the temporary symptoms that follow a cold, it is stubborn and persistent, indicating that the defense mechanisms of the lungs and respiratory tract have become overwhelmed.
Elevated blood pressure: Every puff of cigarette is a test of the cardiovascular system. The immediate effects of nicotine can bring short-term pleasure at the expense of long-term health. Long-term smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to rise, and the risk of heart disease and stroke climbs.
03. Measures to quit smoking
Decide on a quit date: Choose a meaningful day to start with, such as birthday, New Year's Day, or any date that means something special to you.
Nicotine replacement therapy: Use nicotine patches, chewing gum, inhalers, and other products to gradually reduce your dependence on nicotine.
Avoid trigger situations: Identify and avoid situations or activities that tend to make you want to smoke, such as drinking alcohol or certain social situations.
Positive thinking: Maintain a positive mindset, replace smoking thoughts with positive self-suggestion, and believe that you can succeed.
In the difficult and hopeful journey of quitting smoking, every brave man who persevered deserves the highest respect. Quitting smoking is not only a complete liberation of the body, but also a brave transformation in the depths of the soul.
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