Top 10 reasons to say no to smoking

HYDERABAD: World No Tobacco Day is on May 31. The first World No Tobacco Day was observed on May 31, 1988, following a resolution adopted by the World Health Organization.

It is a well-publicised fact that smokers generally tend to have lower life spans than their non-smoking peers.

According to studies conducted by the Australian government, two of three long-term smokers will either die of a smoking-related disease or have their life spans cut short by about 10 years on average, compared to non-smokers.
To further elaborate on the ills of tobacco consumption, here are the top 10 reasons why each one of us should say ‘NO’ to this noxious habit:

Cancer

Cigarette smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to be detected with lung cancer or die from it than people who don’t smoke. Other than lungs, smoking causes cancers in almost all parts of the body including tongue , lips, mouth, nose, throat, voice box, esophagus, stomach, kidney, liver, pancreas, bladder, cervix, vulva, penis anus and blood.

Chronic respiratory conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly caused by smoking. COPD is a progressive condition that limits air movement in the lungs. Active smoking also aggravates asthma. It is also related to an increased risk for asthma in adolescents and adults.

Leads to heart diseases and stroke

Cardiovascular diseases are also caused by smoking. It also increases the risk of blood clots, blocking flow of blood to the brain, heart and legs. Many smokers have had their limbs amputated due to poor blood circulation.

Diabetes

In several cases, smoking has resulted in type II diabetes. Active smokers are 30 per cent to 40 per cent more likely to develop diabetes than non-smokers. Smoking can also worsen conditions related to type 1 diabetes, like kidney disease.

Speeds up aging process

Youthful, supple skin turns saggy and gets premature wrinkles with prolonged smoking. Further, hair loses its natural luster. Smokers are generally found with yellow-brown stains on their fingers and teeth. It also increases chances of tooth loss and bad breath.

Fertility problems

While women smokers have difficulty in conceiving, men who smoke may have poor sperm quality.

Osteoporosis and menopause

Studies have shown that women smokers are at a greater risk of osteoporosis and many may even experience early onset of menopause compared to ones who do not smoke.

Infections

Smoking significantly weakens one’s immune system and that makes the body more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

Burns hole in pocket

Smoking is an expensive habit to live with. If one smokes a packet of cigarettes daily in India, he or she is likely to spend around Rs 65,000 every year on this self-destructive habit.

Mental health

Growing evidence suggests that mental health is also negatively affected by smoking. Studies have shown links between smoking and anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and schizophrenia.