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HEALTH
ADVICE
KICK THE SMOKING HABIT
People always have excuses to start smoking.
Some say it’s because all their friends smoke; others say it’s
to relieve stress and tension, or because it gives them pleasure
and status.
Health
risk
Whatever reasons you may have for smoking,
the truth is that smoking is a serious health risk. It is addictive
and causes diseases that can lead to death. Smoking is one of
the major causes of thousands of people dying from heart and
lung diseases, as well as cancer every year. What makes it worse,
is that a lot of people who have never smoked, die each year
from diseases caused by breathing second-hand tobacco smoke.
Smoking also dangerous to your unborn baby
and reduces your chances of having babies.
Benefits
of stopping
Stopping smoking has immediate and long-term
benefits.
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Within 20
minutes of stopping, blood pressure, heart-beat rate and
the temperature of the hands and feet returns to normal. |
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Eight to
12 hours later, carbon monoxide and oxygen levels return
to normal. |
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Over the
next three days, the risk of heart attack lessens, the
sense of taste and smell improve and energy levels increase. |
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Over the
following months, blood circulation and lung function
improves. |
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One year
after stopping, the risk of heart attack is reduced by
half. |
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After five years, the
risk of lung cancer is halved. |
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Ten years later, the risk
of lung cancer is equal to that of non-smoker. |
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Ten years later, the risk
of lung cancer is equal to that of non-smoker. |
How
to stop smoking
The most difficult step to stop smoking is making the final
decision. But once you have made up your mind, you must stick
with your decision. There are different products to help you
kick the habit. Check with your clinic or pharmacy for products.
The following tips will also help you:
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Decide on
a specific date to stop smoking.
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Let family
and friends know that you are serious about stopping on
that date and ask them to support you. |
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Get rid of
cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters the night before you
plan to stop.
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Start smoking
less before the date on which you plan to stop.
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Change the
habits that you associate with smoking.
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Start with a plan to do
more exercise like walking or running regularly.
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Drink a lot of water or
soft drinks like fruit juice.
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Join a support group.
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- Ndivhuwo Khangale
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Make the decision to
stop smoking today
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Did
you know?
Tobacco
is the second major cause of death in the world. May
31 is World No Tobacco Day. On this day, governments,
anti-smoking groups and organisations all over the world
make people aware of the dangers of smoking and the
importance of stopping smoking.
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National Council Against Smoking: 011 720 3145
Department of Health:
012 312 0201
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Write
to Vuk'uzenzele Health Advice, GCIS, Private Bag X745,
Pretoria, 0001, and The Department of Health will advise
you. E-mail us on: vukuzenzele@gcis.gov.za.
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