We are so glad you are curious to know the answer to this question! That means that you have already considered quitting and making a healthy change in your life. Smoking is incredibly harmful to your entire body and negatively impacts your health in almost every conceivable way.

Chronic smoking leads to serious physical ailments as well as an increased risk of developing deadly diseases like cancer.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team explains all about the benefits of giving up cigarettes.

How Does Smoking Impact Your Lungs?

Cigarette smoke is made up of thousands of toxic chemicals and your lungs are directly exposed to those chemicals with each inhale you take. Your lungs, liver, heart and brain are impacted within 10 seconds! Over time, this chronic exposure leads to tar buildup in your lungs, and it can make it harder for the rest of your organs to function normally as they aren’t getting the oxygen they need.

That’s not all smoking does! It also impacts your physical appearance in a big way. It can lead to yellow teeth and skin, it can cause your hair to thin or fall out, and it can make your skin saggy or develop early wrinkles. It can even impact your ability to hear and smell normally.

Diseases Caused by Long-Term Smoking

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

What Health Benefits Will I Experience After Smoking?

We promise that a healthier life all around is waiting for you! Quitting directly removes those thousands of chemicals from your lungs every day and you will be able to breathe easier and feel better. Your senses will start to come back, and the tar buildup in your lungs will eventually start to go away.

Your family will even benefit from your success. Reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke reduces their risk of developing asthma, respiratory issues and those dangerous diseases mentioned above. We know that quitting an addictive habit can be hard, but focus on your family if that is what gives you strength!

Take the First Step Today

• Find your reason why.
• Research different medication options or nicotine replacement therapies.
• Consider counseling.
• Surround yourself with positive support.

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