In order to place homage to the Great American Smokeout, both posts this week will focus on the importance of quitting smoking. Today, Thursday, November 19, 2009 is the 34th annual Great American Smokeout.

Take a deep breath and hold it for five seconds. Now breathe out, releasing any stress you feel. Relax the mind; shake out the agitation and frustration. Quitting smoking is difficult and it’s important to understand that before you quit. If you’re not smoking anymore, especially if you just quit, you know exactly the feeling referred to. It’s the spot where you are not quite completely irritated but you’re definitely on your way to it. It’s like you cannot sit still for anything. Your hands are constantly moving and all you can think of is how easy it would be to travel to the store to buy a new pack. But remember, in the long run, it’s not easier at all!

Buying a pack now sets you back to the beginning of the process. Even though you tell yourself, “just one puff won’t hurt” you have to remember that, “Yes it will!” Even one cigarette will bring you back to your previous full blown nicotine addiction. When you consider what the results are of smoking, you have to determine if continuing down this same path is worth it. Smokers often tell themselves that it’s okay, they’ll quit later on, or they’ll quit before it’s too late; in reality, no one knows when “too late” is. There are so many diseases that happen as a result of smoking and many of them are fatal. If you are looking for a reason to quit, look no further than the shortness of breath you feel when you walk up and down stairs. It’s time to get rid of that feeling; it’s time to allow the simple things to be easy again!

You know the medical problems associated with smoking—cancer, emphysema, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and arthritis just to name a few. Let’s look at the social reasons to quit, the aspects that make people selfish, which in this case is allowed. Remember the dirty looks you receive for smoking in public or the smell that never leaves your skin or clothes? What about the huge depletion in value on your car due to smoking in it or the loss of clothing due to cigarette holes in them? Your skin ages much faster as a smoker and takes on a yellow and wrinkled look. Your teeth and fingers have the tobacco stains all over them. Your chances for sexual impotence increases with every year you smoke. This may seem odd as many people smoke right after sex. However, smoking decreases blood circulation which in turn decreases your sense of touch and ability to be sexually aroused. Smokers are also at an increased rate for premature balding and graying than non-smokers.

Quitting smoking will help you sleep better which results in less puffiness around your eyes. Bars and restaurants are smoke-free in many areas, so being a non-smoker means you won’t have to always be looking for the designated smoking area. Little kids won’t look at you and say, “You know that’s going to kill you!” To be honest, hearing it from a child is a hundred times worse then hearing it from friends or other adults. Caffeine will once again affect you the way it’s supposed to as smoking clears out almost 60% of caffeine faster than in a non-smoker. So as a reminder, reduce your caffeine intake to half what it was to cut back on the irritability and agitation you will otherwise experience.

You will once again enjoy food to its fullest potential which also results in eating less of it. Your taste buds will multiply astronomically once you quit smoking. You sense of smell will almost completely return; and it’s the most powerful sensory gland for memories and emotion which means your overall enjoyment of life may increase. Let’s face it; quitting smoking can do so much for you. It has become less socially acceptable to be a smoker and that in itself makes it easier to take the next step towards quitting.

Talk to you doctor or other health care professional. Talk with family, friends, and co-workers to ensure you set a goal and stick with it. People who discuss their plans to quit smoking are much more likely to do so. Talk to someone who used to smoke but has since quit in order to get a feel for what you can expect. They will also be able to give you feedback on the best ways to handle the process when the road gets rough.

Remember, you can quit smoking! Your family will be happy. More importantly, your lungs, heart, eyes, and the rest of your body will thank you. It’s time to accept the challenge and face it head on. Do what you can to rid yourself of that stale smell that never leaves your skin, gums, clothes, etc… Relieve your dependency on nicotine and become your own person again. Don’t allow it to rule your life.

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