The First Step Towards a Healthier Body
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31st. National No Tobacco Day could be the beginning of your healthier life. This worldwide observance invites tobacco users to pause for just one day, creating an opportunity to experience life without tobacco and potentially take the first step toward quitting for good.
Harmful Effects of Tobacco
We all know tobacco is harmful, but understanding why it’s so hard to quit can help in the battle against it. Tobacco is an addictive drug, which primarily comes from the presence of nicotine, a psychoactive substance that triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a reward cycle that makes quitting difficult. The good news is that once you quit, your body immediately starts to feel the healing process.
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Within 2–12 Weeks: Your circulation improves, and lung function increases.
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Within 1–9 Months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
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Within 5–15 Years: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker.
Understanding the Health Risks
Tobacco use affects nearly every system in your body, both immediately and over time. Your respiratory system suffers first, with smoking causing persistent coughing, reduced lung capacity, and increased vulnerability to infections.
The most concerning is tobacco's connection to various types of cancer throughout the body, including but not limited to those affecting the lungs, mouth, throat, pancreas, and kidneys.
Importance of Quitting Any Tobacco Use
Quitting is simply the only way to limit these added risks, as well as avoiding other people who smoke. If you’re considering quitting, here are some practical first steps:
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Preparation: Pick a date to start your journey to quitting, and it’s generally good to give yourself some time to prepare before you start.
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Execution: Keep busy and fill your mind with other things that aren’t the craving to smoke. When cravings hit, try sugar-free gum, hard candies, or brief physical activity.
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Stay the Course: The first few weeks are challenging, but keeping active and finding healthy distractions gets easier with time.
Whether you are still smoking or have recently quit smoking, it’s important to get screened for all forms of cancer you may be at risk for. Don’t wait to get screened, take the first step today with The Brooklyn Cancer Center and book an appointment with us by calling 718-732-4080.