If you have an addictive habit, you know how hard it can be to quit or take steps to reduce the habit in your daily life. Smoking is one of those addictions that can become a lifelong habit easily, and it can be really hard to give up.

We understand that, but we also understand how harmful it is for your body, and we will always advocate for quitting the habit for good. Smoking negatively impacts your health in almost every way.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team explains more about the negative effects of smoking and how to take the first steps towards quitting.

What Does Smoking Do to Your Lungs?

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that your body doesn’t need. Many of them are even toxic or carcinogenic (cancer-causing)! Every inhale you take brings that toxic smoke to your lungs, brain, heart and liver. Over time, this chronic exposure will leave tar buildup along the lining of your lungs and will make it harder for your lungs to work properly, which will impact your entire body.

It also impacts your physical appearance. Chronic smoking makes your skin turn yellow, sag and develop premature wrinkles, it can turn your teeth yellow or cause them to fall out, and your hair can thin out. You also are at an increased risk of experiencing a serious or even deadly disease.

Diseases More Common Among People Who Smoke

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

What Will Quitting Smoking Do for My Body?

Giving up the habit completely will impact your entire body for the good. It will directly remove that exposure to toxic chemicals, your lungs will start to clear and you will breathe better, and you will just feel better all over. In addition, your skin will start to look better and even your senses of smell and taste will change for the better.

Quitting will also impact your family’s health as well. Secondhand smoke also contains thousands of toxic chemicals, and your kids and spouse are breathing that in everyday alongside you. Giving up the habit will help reduce your family’s risk of respiratory issues, asthma and those same above diseases. We know you have it in you to quit, so take the first steps today!

Tips to Quit Smoking

• 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 Ooltewah any day of the week.