Today is 'World No Tobacco Day' - to think that there is an entire day dedicated to raising awareness about how tobacco is actually not good for your health. I remember when I was in school, there were reps from various organisations who came in to educate little kids about dangers of smoking. As a boy going to watch movies in the theatres, I was shaken by the public interest advertisements against the harmful effects of smoking, gruesome as they were. And now, as an adult, I watch as my friends smoke away to glory. Clearly nothing anyone said or did was enough to put the fear of all the health concerns that smoking brought along.
But there are also people I know who have taken up the process of quitting, no matter how hard it is. And the fact that it was a choice makes it even more heartwarming. And apparently the effects, the benefits show up right away.
"Within one day of quitting a person's heart rate slows down and there is a slight drop in the blood pressure; carbon monoxide is out of the blood system, and oxygen levels in the blood rise. Within two to three months the sense of smell and taste improves; lungs regain the ability to clean themselves, and there is an improvement in blood flow to the hands and feet," says Dr Rajiv Agarwal, Cardiologist, Lybrate. "Within a year of quitting, there is a drop in the risk of heart attack and within another two years, the risk of developing coronary heart disease becomes equivalent to that of a non-smoker."
Prepare yourself
Going cold turkey is not enough. Smoking is an addiction, therefore your body will crave nicotine because it is used to the nicotine by now. Therefore, it is essential to know what you are in for. Maybe set yourself up with an appointment with a therapist or a doctor in case things start going down south.
Nicotine therapy
Headaches, anxiety, irritation, restlessness, all come along when you quit smoking. Consider calming your need for a cigarette with nicotine patches, lozenges, gum etc.
Avoid triggers
There are always certain settings that make you want to light one cigarette. Avoid these settings for a while - smoking room of a club, a drinking scene with friends. Limit your coffee intake if you like to smoke with your caffeine. Try to divert your attention to other, healthy activities. Maybe take up running everytime you feel like you want to smoke.
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