According to the CDC, one in every five deaths in the United States is related to cigarette smoking. 443,000 deaths occur annually from first-hand or second-hand smoke inhalation. With all these statistics available, people are still smoking. The question is, “why can’t we just quit?”
Do you Know Why it’s Difficult to Quit Smoking?
Many people would have tried quitting cigarettes only to come back to it, sometime later. Have you ever wondered why? This is because nicotine, one of the main ingredients in cigarettes, is highly addictive. Nicotine stimulates the pleasure sensors in the brain. Discontinuation of cigarettes results in withdrawal symptoms. This can prompt you to smoke again simply to get out of the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. You may feel ill as if you have the flu, suffer from aches and pains, and the craving for a cigarette will be incredible. Because you are unable to get a cigarette, you will become irritable and have all sorts of other problems that include the inability to sleep and fatigue. You will also have difficulty concentrating without lighting up, and headaches etc. may plague you.
Why Should you Quit Now?
OK, so quitting is no walk in the park, but then, nothing worthwhile comes easy. You need to quit today, now. As a senior, you are more prone to various illnesses than when you were younger. So, by smoking, you are doubly increasing your risk. For example, if you are a smoker, you are more at risk of getting cancer, high blood pressure, and emphysema, among other illnesses. If you are a heavy smoker, you are more likely to suffer from macular degeneration which can lead to vision impairment. You can get ulcers, bad breath, and teeth, and men can suffer from erectile dysfunction. No amount of Viagra will help you here! Furthermore, you are being extremely selfish by smoking, because you are also putting others at risk of all the above illnesses. Second-hand smoke is also as bad as first-hand smoke. So, if you care about your spouse, children and grandchildren, quit now. If you do, your health and the health of your loved ones will significantly increase.
How to Quit
You are not alone in your fight to quit. There are many people and organizations willing to help you to kick the habit for good. Obtain the help of any of these persons or organizations if you are unable to quit on your own. With dedication and perseverance, you will be able to quit the disgusting cancer sticks.
If you have been smoking for longer than you can remember, your body must be taking a toll for it. As a senior, you have many more good years left to enjoy your life to the fullest. Quit now, and make the most of what life has to offer you.
A healthy life with a smoke-free environment is always encouraged in senior retirement communities. If you wanted an incentive to quit smoking, this is it. Move to one of these communities, make new friends, who will help you kick the habit, and enjoy a healthy life. Here are some randomly picked communities that will give you a taste of what Active Adult Living is all about.
- The Villages Golf & Country Club – San Jose, CA
- Regency at Dominion Valley by Toll Brothers – Haymarket, VA
- Trilogy at Redmond Ridge – Redmond, WA
- Red Mill Village – Norton, MA
- Central Parke at Victoria Falls – Laurel, MD
There are many more active adult communities you can consider at ActiveAdultLiving.com. This is a comprehensive website of more than 8,400 senior communities. Visit our website for some great senior living choices.
