Smoking tobacco directly impacts your health in a negative way. In addition to increasing the risk of serious diseases and complications, this addictive habit can start to affect your physical appearance over time as well.

You are introducing thousands of chemicals into your body every time you smoke, and those chemicals actually affect your family members as well. Taking steps to give up this unhealthy habit can help your entire family live a healthier life.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte understands how difficult it can be to break a bad habit, but we explain more about the dangers of smoking below to hopefully inspire you to make a change.

Can I Just Cut Back on My Smoking Habit?

We really recommend doing the work to quit entirely. Any amount of cigarette smoke is bad for your health, so taking the steps to quit will provide the biggest payoff for you. Did you know that within 10 seconds of your first inhale, the chemicals will have traveled to all your major organs like your brain, liver and lungs?

These toxic chemicals compound over time and will start to affect your organs. Tar will build up in your lungs, your liver will have a hard time working efficiently and your heart will start to experience strain and inefficiency. In addition, sagging skin, hair loss, premature wrinkles and even different forms of cancer become possibilities.

The Risks of Chronic Smoking

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

How Will Quitting Help My Family Be Healthier?

Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk to everyone in your household. Even if you do your best to smoke outside, that smoke will still make its way into your house via open windows, your clothes and your hair. This chronic exposure increases your children’s and spouse’s risk of the same diseases as you have as well as the increased risk for asthma or other respiratory issues.

If you are struggling to quit for yourself, do it for your family! Getting these chemicals out of your home will help everyone live a healthier and cleaner life. Focusing on your “why” can help you stick to your goals when times get tough and the cravings become intense.

Tips for Starting the Quitting Process

• 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 South Charlotte any day of the week.