Habits can be really hard to break. While some habits like reaching for a bottle of water instead of a soda can be a bit more manageable, quitting a lifelong habit like smoking is a much larger and more intensive task.

Even though it may seem overwhelming or impossible, you deserve to live a smoke-free life! Smoking has no health benefits to you and only increases your risk of long-term health complications.

Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team explains more below about smoking and how it affects your health.

How Bad Is Smoking?

Within the first 10 seconds after your first inhale of tobacco smoke, the toxic chemicals will have already traveled to major organs like your brain, liver and lungs. These chemicals will continue to infiltrate your organs with every inhale and with every cigarette you smoke.

Over time, tar will build up in your lungs, and you will eventually experience respiratory issues and breathing troubles. If your lungs are coated in tar, they can’t function properly and give your body the oxygen it needs. Smoking and tobacco chemicals also negatively affect your physical appearance. Your skin will start to sag and turn yellow, premature wrinkles and age spots can appear and your hair can even thin.

Diseases Caused By Smoking

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Emphysema

Will Quitting Help My Family Be Healthier?

Every time you light up a cigarette, you are not only impacting your health, but you are impacting the health of everyone in your house. Secondhand smoke is also contaminated by thousands of chemicals that will adversely affect your kids, your spouse and even your pets.

If you have been smoking for years, your family is also at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, just by being exposed to the toxic smoke every day. Quitting is the best thing you can do for your entire family! Find the motivation to make the first step and stay focused on your “why” every day. We believe in you.

Tips for Breaking an Addictive Habit

• Find your reason “why.”
• Research different medication options.
• Consider counseling.
• Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne any day of the week.