Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in our society-but many students still choose to smoke, either as daily or “social” smokers (only smoking while in social situations, usually while consuming alcohol). But the long-term effects aren’t the only drawback- smoking can cramp your style and your health in the here and now as well. Quitting is incredibly difficult, but can have benefits almost immediately.
Quick Facts:
- Smoking doesn’t just cause diseases like cancer and emphysema- it can cause premature wrinkles, bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, and yellow fingernails- plus it makes your clothes and hair smell bad.
- Quitting doesn’t just improve your health in the long run-your heart rate and blood pressure drop after just 20 minutes, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal after 12 hours, and you can see improved circulation and lung function in as little as two weeks.
- The average pack of cigarettes costs about $4.50. That means a pack-a-day smoker spends about $31.50 per week on cigarettes- or $1,638 per year!
What You Can Do:
- Speak to your healthcare provider about different types of support for quitting.
- Try an online support program, such as QuitNet or TryToStop.org.
- Identify the things that trigger you to smoke-certain environments, people, situations- and try your best to avoid those triggers.
- Choose a quit date and notify your friends and family. Ask them to support your decision to quit.
Need more information? Check out these helpful resources:
