Quitting Smoking
Thinking of quitting smoking? Congratulations! Quitting smoking is an excellent way to improve your life and the lives of those around you. No matter how much you’ve smoked, it’s never too late to quit or to experience the benefits of quitting.
- Why is smoking harmful?
- What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
- Why is it hard to quit smoking?
- What’s the best way to quit smoking?
- How can my pharmacist help me quit smoking?
Why is smoking harmful?
Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco contain more than 4,000 chemicals, many of them cancer-causing. Smoking increases your risks of developing serious health conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Respiratory issues
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Oral cancer
- Pregnancy complications
Second-hand smoke also poses risks, contributing to thousands of deaths annually in Canada.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately:
- Within 20 minutes, blood pressure drops to normal.
- Within 24 hours, heart attack risk decreases.
- Within 1 to 9 months, breathing improves and coughing reduces.
- Within 5 years, stroke risk is similar to a non-smoker.
- Within 15 years, lung cancer risk decreases significantly.
Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of subsequent heart attacks and other complications.
Why is it hard to quit smoking?
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance in tobacco, affects the brain and central nervous system, causing withdrawal symptoms when not consumed. Habits and emotional ties to smoking further complicate quitting.
What’s the best way to quit smoking?
While some can quit cold turkey, many benefit from cessation programs involving counseling and medication to manage cravings. Key steps include:
- Understanding reasons for smoking and habits to change.
- Listing benefits of quitting.
- Choosing a cessation method.
- Preparing for challenges and setting a quit date.
- Avoiding smoking entirely on quit day and seeking support.
How can my pharmacist help me quit smoking?
Your pharmacist can support your journey to quit smoking by:
- Evaluating readiness and providing preparatory materials.
- Developing a personalized quit plan.
- Suggesting appropriate cessation aids, if needed.
- Offering follow-up and ongoing support.
For more information on quitting smoking, consult with your pharmacist or medical professional.
This health information was sourced from The Lung Association™ (www.lung.ca), the Government of Canada (www.healthycanadians.gc.ca), Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca), the Heart and Stroke Foundation™ (www.heartandstroke.ca), and the Ontario Pharmacists Association (www.opatoday.com). It is intended for information purposes only and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. This material and affiliated entities are not liable for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies, nor do they accept liability for reliance on the contained information.