How Smoking Can Harm Your Health: Why Quitting Smoking Is Important

Introduction to Smoking and Health

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disability worldwide. As a significant contributor to disease and premature death, tobacco use is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the United States alone every year. Despite these staggering numbers, tobacco use is still widely accepted, making it a challenge to quit.

There are currently five FDA-approved smoking cessation medications, but only three are considered to be effective. The most widely prescribed and effective drug is bupropion (Zyban), which has been shown to be more effective than nicotine replacement therapies alone. The next most effective medication is varenicline (Chantix), which is less effective than bupropion.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Cancer

Tobacco is a legal and widely available product that can be found in a variety of forms, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. Although tobacco has been used for centuries, its use is a relatively new phenomenon in human history. Despite its long-standing history, the true health impact of tobacco has only recently become clear. In the past century, smoking has been directly linked to several types of cancer, emphysema, heart disease, and stroke.

While the health risks of tobacco are well established, there is also substantial evidence suggesting that tobacco use can have positive benefits for the body.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Heart Disease

Tobacco use is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. By smoking, we not only place ourselves at risk for heart disease, but we also pose a significant threat to the health of our family, friends, and colleagues. With these facts in mind, quitting smoking is an important step toward a healthy lifestyle and a better quality of life.

Cigarette smoking is an insidious, hard-to-stop habit that can cause many problems.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Chronic Lung Diseases

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 people each year. By understanding the health hazards associated with smoking, individuals can make informed decisions about quitting the habit.

### The Science Behind the Hype

If you’re a regular smoker, you probably know how addictive cigarettes can be, but you may be surprised to learn that the science behind tobacco use is more complicated than that.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year. Despite its significant health implications, many individuals are still exposed to the risks associated with tobacco. By recognizing the importance of quitting smoking, we can decrease our risk of tobacco-related diseases and improve our overall health.

The American Lung Association, with the support of the American Cancer Society, is offering its most recent smoking cessation program in conjunction with the American Heart Association, which will take place in Washington, D.C., in January.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Respiratory Disorders

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year and costs the United States more than $96 billion annually. Despite this alarming statistics, approximately 50 million Americans still smoke. Although the long-term health risks of smoking are well known, the negative impact of smoking is often overlooked in the immediate.

“We believe that we can help smokers quit by offering free nicotine patches for one year to people who have been referred to us by their primary-care physicians or by local physicians’ offices,” says Dr. Joseph J. Sallone, president of the American Cancer Society.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Diabetes

The impact of tobacco on health is well-documented. Tobacco smoke has been associated with a variety of health risks, including increased rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. As the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., tobacco use has been linked to an estimated 480,000 deaths every year. Despite this grim reality, the prevalence of tobacco use remains high, as nearly 1 in 5 adults smoke.

Smoking is also costly to employers. In 2010, U.S. employers spent approximately $190 billion on smoking-related health care and productivity losses, with a cost of approximately $100 billion per year.

Understanding the Role of Tobacco in Other Diseases

Tobacco use is responsible for the deaths of over 6 million people worldwide each year, with approximately 80 percent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the annual economic cost of smoking-related illnesses exceeds $1 trillion, and tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death.

“The WHO Global Action Plan on Tobacco Control is the most comprehensive global action plan to date to address tobacco use and its consequences,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO. “This plan presents the first global action agenda on a topic that will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of people.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

While many smokers are well aware of the dangers of tobacco, others may not be fully aware of the health risks of secondhand smoke. Inhaling tobacco smoke can be just as dangerous to our health as smoking directly, and exposure to secondhand smoke is linked to numerous serious health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disease.

If you work with a smoker or live with one, consider the following tips:

If you work in a public place, consider using the employer’s tobacco-free facilities.

Quitting Smoking: Getting Started

Smoking is a well-known cause of health problems. While some smokers are able to quit, others are unable to overcome their addiction and are unable to quit without professional help. Quitting smoking is not a difficult task, but it is one that should be approached with caution.

The health hazards of smoking are well documented, but there are other reasons why people smoke. Some smoke because it is a socially acceptable habit, while others smoke to cope with stress. Some people smoke in an attempt to avoid the effects of other addictive substances. Others smoke to relax and enjoy their nicotine fix.

Cigarette smoking can have a devastating impact on health, both short- and long-term.