Kicking the Habit
Smoking cigarettes is a dangerously bad habit with potential side effects such as various cancers, gum disease, lung complications, increased chances of having a stroke and/or heart attack, raised blood pressure, yellowing of the eyes, tooth decay and bad breath, along with breathing issues such as asthma. Individuals that smoke cigarettes are more susceptible to colds, coughs, and other illnesses. You might ask why people continue to smoke knowing the potential risks involved. Some individuals say that quitting cigarette smoking is one of the most difficult undertakings, yet the most rewarding for your overall health.
As daunting as this might seem it is so important to take the first steps towards quitting cigarette smoking once and for all. According to the Cleveland Clinic, quitting can help prolong your life, improve your general health, improve your ability to smell and taste, make you feel better and look healthier, all while saving you time and money.
The first question is how do you start this process? One form of quitting is going cold turkey, which is considered a natural form of quitting. Most individuals start by picking a date and time to officially quit. Records show that starting a smoking cessation plan first thing in the morning increases the probability of sticking to your plan. There are various therapies, techniques, and medications that can assist with quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the most common forms of therapy used. Maybe a combination of the plans is best for you! The best way to figure out your plan of action is to contact your primary care physician to discover the strategy that is best for you.
Don’t be alarmed if your smoking cessation plan comes with unwanted withdrawal symptoms – headaches, weight gain, coughing, sleep deprivation, erratic mood swings, and constipation. Withdrawing from nicotine is withdrawing from a drug, which is why this process can be difficult to many. Remember that these symptoms are only temporary and you will feel better in the future. You can always contact your primary care doctor for assistance with managing these side effects.
Dr. Dharia and his team at Palm Beach Internal Medicine can help you decide which smoking cessation method is the best form of quitting for you. Give his office a call at (561) 776-8891 to set up your appointment to plan your journey to being cigarette free.