Tobacco is considered to be one of the leading health issues worldwide. It has been reported by Our World in Data that in the 20th century 100 million people died from health issues related to tobacco use and 1 billion people could die throughout the 21st century.
Approximately 8 million people worldwide have died yearly as a result of tobacco use. Of that 8 million people, 527,736 people have died within the United States. Those who are over the age of 50 make up the majority of deaths related to the use of tobacco.
Let’s look further at the issues surrounding tobacco and smoking and see why deciding to quit smoking can do wonders for your health in a very short time.
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration tobacco contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical that is present in tobacco plants which causes the continued use of tobacco even if you would like to quit. There are thousands of chemicals present in tobacco and the toxic mix of chemicals, not nicotine, causes serious health issues.
According to the CDC, more than 16 million Americans live with health issues related to tobacco use. There are many health risks associated with the use of tobacco and smoking cigarettes. Health issues associated with tobacco use include, but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Lung Diseases
- Diabetes
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Smoking can also increase the risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems with your immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. The mental decline in elderly smokers is five times faster than elderly nonsmokers.
Why Quit Smoking?
Smoking and tobacco use is the largest most preventable cause of disease and premature death within the United States. As reported by Live Well with Unity Point Health the use of tobacco causes 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. alone but 42 million Americans continue to use tobacco products.
Stopping the use of tobacco may not be easy due to the level of nicotine within tobacco products, however, quitting smoking or the use of other tobacco products has a major impact on your health. According to the CDC the benefits of quitting smoking or using tobacco products are the following:
- Reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as 10 years to an individual’s life expectancy
- Lowers the risk of 12 types of cancer
- Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Lowers the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lowers the risk of some poor reproductive health outcomes
- Benefits those individuals who have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or COPD
Minutes after you quit smoking, your heart rate drops and the nicotine level within your body can drop to zero within 24 hours of stopping the use of tobacco. Within several days of not smoking, the levels of carbon monoxide within your blood level mimic the blood levels of someone who does not smoke.
It has been reported by Unity Point Health that smokers have spent $289 billion dollars annually on medical care. Life insurance rates are 20% to 30% lower for nonsmokers.
Resources
Making the decision to quit smoking or stop using other tobacco products is a huge decision! This is one of the best decisions that you can make regarding your health. Not sure how to quit? Need support from others? Have you tried to quit but need additional support? Here are some resources that you can utilize to help you quit smoking.
- How to Quit | Smoking & Tobacco Use | CDC
- Quit Tobacco | How To Quit Smoking or Smokeless Tobacco
- How to Quit Dipping or Chewing Tobacco | Smokefree Veterans
- Tips for Coping with Nicotine Withdrawal and Triggers – NCI
- Free Resources for Quitting Smoking | Smokefree
- Quitting Smoking and Other Tobacco Public Health Resources | FDA
- Resources to Help You Quit Smoking
- Quitlines and Other Cessation Support Resources
- I Want To Quit Smoking
- Smoking Cessation Leadership Center: Online Resources
At Culpepper Place of Olive Branch, we take pride in providing the best for the residents within our community with regular health assessments and enhancing the quality of life for the residents that live within our Culpepper community. Please contact us today to find out why we were voted the best living community in Desoto County.
