Why should I quit smoking?

We know that smoking is a highly addictive behavior. But millions of people have quit smoking and you can too! The benefits of giving up smoking far outweigh the temporary pleasure of smoking. Here is a list of some reasons to quit smoking. Which ones are important to you?

• I will live longer and live better.
• Quitting will lower my chance of having a heart attack, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke or cancer.
• The people I live with, especially my children will be healthier.
• Food will taste and smell better.
• I will have extra money to save or to spend on things other than cigarettes.
• My home, car, clothing and breath will smell better.
• I can stop worrying about quitting.
• I will set a good example for my children.
• I will do better in physical activities.
• I will have less wrinkling/aging of skin.

Are there other reasons I should quit smoking?

Environmental Risks From Passive Smoke and Second-Hand Smoke

• Higher risk of cancer and heart disease for family members.
• Higher risk of smoking by children of smokers.
• Increased risk for asthma, middle ear disease, respiratory infections and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in children of smokers.
• Higher risk for low birth weight babies.

Learn more about the risks from air pollution and second-hand smoke.

This information has been approved by Epi Mazzei, R.N. (June 2006).