So, whether you’re about to quit, or you are in the middle of your stop smoking journey, it’s always good to remind yourself of the many reasons NOT to smoke. Whether you put out your last cigarette for health reasons, for your family, or just to improve your appearance, it never hurts to add a few more reasons to your own personal list to remind you that life is better without smoking.
1. Lung Cancer
As the number one cause of lung cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related death in the UK , the first and perhaps most compelling reason to quit smoking is to reduce your risk of developing this disease.
2. Other Cancers
Smoking is linked to at least 15 other types of cancer; including liver, kidney, stomach, pancreas, bladder, and cervical cancer. From your bowels to your nose and sinuses, the reasons to quit smoking cigarettes are clear.
3. Strokes
Smoking thickens the blood and increases the chances of blood clots. This means you are twice as likely to die from a stroke and six times more likely to suffer a stroke of any kind .
4. Immune System Suppression
If you’re constantly feeling ill, then giving your immune system chance to recover is a big reason to quit smoking. Smoking supresses antibodies and compromises your immune system in a variety of ways, leading to increased chance of getting sick.
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
Research has shown that smokers are more likely to develop dementia. Both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are linked to problems with your heart and blood vessels. Smoking has long been known to affect these systems.
6. Diabetes
For diabetics, a major reason to stop smoking is the risk of complications relating to the disease. This means that, in some cases, you are twice as likely to suffer heart disease, a stroke and circulation problems usually associated with type 2 diabetes.
7. Sexual Performance and Fertility
For many people, one of the most compelling reasons to give up smoking is related to sexual performance and fertility. In men, erectile disfunction is linked to circulation issues, while in women, even low levels of smoking can impact fertility significantly.
8. Pregnancy Problems
This is perhaps the biggest reason to give up smoking for mothers-to-be. There are plenty of problems during pregnancy, and after a baby is born, which can be avoided if expected parents gave up smoking. This includes, a reduced risk of stillbirth, reduced risk of SIDS, and less chance that your baby will be born prematurely.
9. Skin Problems
Ageing prematurely is a common side effect of smoking, however, there is a raft of other skin issues associated with it too. An increased risk of skin cancer is a big reason to quit smoking, but so too psoriasis, acne inversa, vasculitis, and telangiectasia.
10. Vision Problems
Smoking can lead to multiple issues with your vision, particularly as you get older. Cataracts are three times more likely in smokers, and tobacco contains many toxins harmful to your eyes.
11. Second-hand Smoke
If worrying about your own health is not enough, then an important reason to quit smoking for good is the affect it has on those around you. All of the risks that you are exposed to are present in second-hand smoke, and children are particularly at risk.
12. Money
If health is not your primary concern, then maybe money is. Every year cigarettes become more expensive, and that trend is set to continue. Over the course of a year, you can save thousands of pounds when you quit.
13. Time
Every time you smoke, your valuable time is eaten up. So, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, and each one takes 5 to 7 minutes, that’s almost two hours of your day up in smoke.
14. Smell
Smokers smell, there’s no two ways about it. For anyone looking to make a good impression, ditching that stale and smoky smell is a great reason not to smoke.
15. Better Sleep
Last but certainly not least, if you’re constantly tired and lethargic, it might be because you aren’t getting any quality sleep. For insomniacs and poor sleepers, the most important reason to quit smoking is simply to get a good night’s rest.
There are plenty more reasons to quit smoking for good, ranging from those that affect your health to those that wreck your chances of getting a date. So, if you’re determined to quit, head to your local pharmacy for advice on NRT products and enjoy a healthier lifestyle without the unnecessary stress of smoking.