Smoking - Is Bad For You. Period.

Smoking is your enemy!

By now we have all heard it:
Smoking is really bad for you!

You are basically inhaling hundreds of toxic substances. 

I want to emphasize this today: 

Smoking does so much damage to your health and well-being that it is NEVER too late to quit.

What smoking does: 

• puts you at higher risk for many cancers (e.g. lung, throat, kidney, pancreas - to name a few)
• increases your risk for a heart attack or a stroke (check out yesterday's post on stroke risk)
• damages your lungs and may likely lead to COPD / emphysema or asthma
• puts you at higher risk for pneumonia and other infections
• may give you erectile dysfunction



Smoking is ugly! Not cool!

• stains your teeth and gives bad breath

Be aware that second hand smoking is harmful as well!

And consider also that ALL tobacco products are hazardous, no matter what form they come in.

Essentially, smoking is the number one cause for premature, preventable death in the United States!

Stop smoking TODAY!

The best and most important thing you can do for your health today, no matter how old you are, is to STOP smoking!!! 

It is never too late to stop smoking!

The good news are that the overall percentage of smokers among older Americans has decreased over the last decades.

There are plenty of immediate and longterm benefits of quitting smoking, no matter your age. But of course, the earlier the better!!

Nicotine is an addictive substance and it may not be easy to do this alone. Ask your physician for guidance, help and possibly medications. Also, check this cancer website for more info.

Check out this book by Allen Carr: Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I know people who swear by this book (although I personally have not read it).

Value your body and health!

Value your body and your health! Take responsibility!

Make the best of it!

Be well,

Dr. B