TOBACCO

The simple act of smoking a cigarette may seem trivial, but did you know that the smoke inhaled by the smoker contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, over 50 of which are carcinogenic?

Indeed, all burning plants naturally release chemical compounds.

The Dangers of Tobacco

Half of all smokers will die from their habit of inhaling smoke. Among these, half will die at a young age, between 35 and 69 years old.

This staggering statistic means 20 to 25 years less life expectancy compared to non-smokers! These preventable deaths make tobacco the leading cause of avoidable mortality worldwide.

Diseases Associated with Tobacco

The main causes of tobacco-related deaths are cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.

A man who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day increases his risk of having a heart attack by 300%. For women, this risk doubles to 600%.

Even smoking a little increases the risk compared to a non-smoker, as it is a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It’s enough to scare you!

The Importance of Quitting Tobacco

Without a doubt, quitting smoking is the most important action a person can take to improve their cardiovascular and general health. No other medical or surgical intervention is more effective!

Never too late

It’s also important to note that it is never too late to quit smoking, even if a person has smoked all their life. It is proven that bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure and heart rate decrease just twenty minutes after the last cigarette. After six hours, the carbon monoxide (CO) level is halved and the body’s oxygenation returns to normal.

After one day, the risk of a heart attack decreases, and the lungs start to clean themselves by eliminating nicotine and smoke residues. After two days, taste and smell improve.

After five years, the risk of a major cardiovascular event (death or heart attack) is the same as for someone who has never smoked.

Fighting Addiction

“But doctor, I’ve tried! I can’t quit!”

The main culprit is nicotine, which creates and maintains the urge to smoke, again and again… This is called addiction! Only 5% of people who try to quit manage to stay non-smokers after one year. This percentage can be increased to 20% to 25% with a support program combined with the use of nicotine-based pharmacological treatment.

Products like gum, patches, or sprays have been used for over twenty years and are completely safe, according to studies conducted since their introduction.

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine is not the main culprit for the health problems associated with tobacco. The real culprits are the hundreds of products related to its combustion.

For patients who have only experienced failures using recognized pharmacological methods, the use of electronic cigarettes shows a success rate of 50% to 70% in one year.

Available Resources

Many smoking cessation programs are available online. Online resources, helplines, and support groups are available to help smokers overcome their addiction and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Don’t hesitate to seek help and use the tools at your disposal to increase your chances of success.

In conclusion

In summary, although smoking may seem like a trivial habit, the health consequences are serious and well-documented.

Nicotine makes you smoke. The smoke kills!

Quitting smoking is a difficult but incredibly beneficial step for your health. The resources and treatments available today offer real chances of success, even for those who have tried to quit without success in the past.