3 Superb Benefits of cigarettes: A myth or a reality?

There is a WhatsApp message making rounds that explains the 3 Superb Benefits of cigarettes. The post has gained popularity and is being shared nearly on all social media pages. While the benefits explained make some logical sense, it does not make scientific and medical sense if you think through them carefully.

THREE SUPERB BENEFITS OF CIGARETTES MAKING ROUNDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Smokers don’t grow old!

2. Smokers cannot be bitten by a dog!!

3. Smokers cannot be attacked by thieves while sleeping.

WHY NOT?

1. Smokers don’t grow old because they will die young due to lung damage, as warned by the Ministry of Health.

2. Smokers won’t be bitten by a dog simply because when their lungs are damaged they have to walk with a stick every time. And dogs fear people with a stick in their hands.

3. Thieves can’t break into the house of a smoker at night because smokers are always awake coughing!

The choice is yours…..

READ: Kennedy Agyapong’s 10 Major Contributions To The Health Sector

No matter how valid the above may sound, the above is a myth. There are no benefits to smoking. Smoking is a major cause of preventable death, and it is harmful to your health in many ways.

There are many reasons why people start smoking. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Peer pressure: Many people start smoking because their friends or family members smoke.
• Stress relief: Some people smoke to relieve stress or anxiety.
• To fit in: Some people smoke because they think it will make them look cool or accepted.
• To feel good: Nicotine, the addictive drug in tobacco, can give people a temporary feeling of pleasure or relaxation.
• To cope with negative emotions: Some people smoke to cope with difficult emotions, such as sadness, anger, or loneliness.
• To quit other drugs: Some people smoke to help them quit other drugs, such as alcohol or heroin.

It is important to remember that there is no safe level of smoking. Smoking is harmful to your health, no matter how much you smoke or how often you smoke. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Quitting smoking can be difficult, but it is definitely possible. With the right support, you can quit smoking and improve your health.

Health risks of smoking

• Heart disease: Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Cancer: Smoking increases your risk of developing many types of cancer, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a serious lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe.
• Stroke: Smoking increases your risk of having a stroke, which is a serious brain injury that can lead to paralysis, disability, and death.
• Pregnancy complications: Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Infertility: Smoking can damage sperm and eggs, making it more difficult to get pregnant.
• Other health problems: Smoking can also increase your risk of other health problems, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gum disease.

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Tips for quitting smoking:

• Tell your friends and family that you are quitting. They can offer you support and encouragement.
• Set a quit date and stick to it.
• Avoid triggers that make you want to smoke. These might include certain people, places, or activities.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones can all help.
• Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT can help you reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Join a support group. Talking to other people who are quitting smoking can be helpful.

Benefits of quitting smoking

• Reduced risk of heart disease: Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within 12 hours, the amount of carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal. Within 2 weeks to 3 months, your circulation improves and your lung function starts to improve.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Your risk of lung cancer starts to go down within 10 years of quitting smoking. Your risk of other types of cancer, such as mouth, throat, and bladder cancer, also decreases over time.
• Improved lung function: Within 1 to 9 months of quitting smoking, your lung function improves. This means you can breathe more easily and your lungs are better able to fight off infection.
• Reduced risk of COPD: If you have COPD, quitting smoking can help you breathe better and slow the progression of the disease.
• Reduced risk of stroke: Your risk of stroke decreases within 2 years of quitting smoking.
• Improved fertility: Quitting smoking can help you get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
• Reduced risk of other health problems: Quitting smoking can also reduce your risk of other health problems, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gum disease.

If you are thinking about quitting smoking, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to quit and can provide support and resources.