People Quitting Smoking

There is nothing easy about giving up cigarettes. But as hard as quitting may be, the results are well worth it. In the first year after stopping smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease drops sharply. It then gradually returns to "normal" - that is, the same risk as someone who never smoked. This means that no matter what your age, quitting will lessen your chances of developing heart disease.
Quitting will also save you money. Over 10 years, a two-pack-a-day smoker can spend more than $7,500 on cigarettes. And the price tag doesn't take into account the extra costs of smoking-related illness, such as doctors' bills, medicines, and lost wages.
Take some time to think about other benefits of being an ex-smoker. Check the reasons that apply to you in the list below. Add any others you think are important. This is an important first step in kicking the smoking habit - figuring out for yourself what you have to gain.
Many people fear that if they stop smoking they will gain unwanted weight. But you do not have to gain a lot of weight. Here are the facts:
• The average weight gain for ex-smokers is 5 pounds.
• Only about 3 percent of women gain a lot of weight (more than 20 pounds)after quitting.
Weight gain may be partly due to changes in the way the body uses calories after smoking stops. Also, some people eat more when quitting because they ubstitute high-calorie food for cigarettes. Choosing more foods lower in calories and boosting your exercise level will help guard against weight gain. And if you do gain some weight, you can work on losing it after you have become comfortable as a nonsmoker. When you think about the enormous health risks of smoking, the possibility of putting on a few pounds is not a reason to continue.

Why I Want To Quit Smoking

* I will greatly lessen my chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
* I will greatly lessen my chances of getting lung cancer, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
* I will have fewer colds or flu each year.
* I will have better smelling clothes, hair, breath, home, and car.
* I will climb stairs and walk without getting out of breath.
* I will have fewer wrinkles.
* I will be free of my morning cough.
* I will reduce the number of coughs, colds, and earaches my children will have.
* I will have more energy to persue physical activities I enjoy.
* I will have more control over my life.