Common Myths

The harmful effects of smoking are immediate. The three major killers in tobacco are tar, nicotine and carbon dioxide. Cigarette contains over 7,000 chemicals, most of them are toxic and radioactive including over 70 carcinogens. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and can cause negative health effects. Secondhand smoke is also harmful to non-smokers. Please do not try the first cigarette.

Smoking causes lung cancer, respiratory diseases, heart diseases and other deadly diseases. Smokers inhale 70% of the tobacco smoke, as well as the secondhand smoke, which is hazardous. Tobacco is addictive. Active smoking is not safer than passive smoking.

Alternative smoking products included e-cigarette and heated tobacco products release were claimed to be less toxins and less harmful. In fact, this is just a promotion tactic, which aims to downplay the health risks associated with smoking. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that all forms of tobacco use are harmful. Some of the toxins and carcinogens do not have a safety level and harm human’s health. More details of the health hazards resulted from alternative smoking products can be referred to following link (Details of smoking hazards from e-cigarette and heated tobacco product)

It is self-deceived. In fact, as the taste of flavoured cigarettes is more acceptable, people smoke more deeply and the harmful substances will linger in the lungs longer. It is just a promotional strategy of the tobacco industry to create different flavours and packages of cigarette to lure people to smoke and conceal the harmful effects of cigarettes. There are no “safe” cigarettes in the world.

Nicotine in tobacco creates illusion in smokers. In fact, it will raise the adrenaline level, increase heart rate, narrow blood vessels and elevate blood pressure, which will not make people at ease at all. When quitting smoking, people may experience some temporary “withdrawal symptoms” due to the sudden drop of nicotine level. The common symptoms include dizziness, headache, hot temper, distraction, insomnia, unstable emotion and good appetite. The symptoms varies among different people and are normally most obvious in the first 7 days of quitting and will fade gradually in a month.

The earlier you quit, the more your will be benefited. Smoker who quit at the age of 60 may reclaim 3 years of life that might have lost due to smoking. If you quit at the age of 30, you may reclaim 10 years of life.

Quitters may experience withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. Studies showed that medications for quitting smoking can relief the symptoms and raise the quit rate effectively. Cessation aids like Nicotine Gum and Nicotine Patch can facilitate smoking cessation but are not essential. Many smokers can quit successfully by their own will and other methods. Consultation of professional medical practitioners or smoking cessation counselors is necessary before using any cessation aids. After all, strong will and persistence is crucial for kicking the smoking habit.

Quitting smoking would only facilitate the recovery of body functions. If a quitter remains determined and resists smoking, his/her chance of developing serious illnesses would be diminished. Some long-term smokers are diagnosed with fatal diseases after quitting as the damages on their health are already irreversible. Quitting smoking is always essential for health.

The taste buds of smokers are damaged. After they quit smoking, the body functions start resuming normal and the senses of taste and smell will also be improved. It is not surprising that people will gain weight if they do not have a balanced diet after quitting smoking. You can be fit with a healthy diet and sufficient exercises.

After you quit, you should live a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercises and a healthy mind. It is vital to enrich your social life and talk with your loved one or close friends. A well balanced life is essential for preventing relapse to smoking.

With determination, you definitely can kick the habit. You have to identify the trigger that makes you smoke again and decide how to cope with it. Also, create a new cessation plan and enlist support from smoking cessation counselors if needed.

Smoking Cessation