Why should I quit smoking ?

If you are not convinced about quiting smoking, read on

1. It increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk of dying from lung cancer is 22times higher in men and 12 times higher in women.

2. It increases the risk of cancers of the lip, oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, urinary bladder, cervix and kidney.

3. It increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times.

4. It doubles the risk of getting a stroke.

5. It accelerates atherosclerosis. The risk of developing peripheral vascular disease is increased by 10 times.

6. It increases the risk of chronic obstructive lung disease. The risk of dying is increased by ten times.

7. It increases the risk of infertility in women.

8. In pregnancy, it increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, still birth, placenta praevia, placental abruption, childhood meningitis and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

9. It increases the risk of osteoporosis and of subsequently suffering a hip fracture.

10. It is a strong asthma trigger.

11. Smokers who fracture may take longer to heal than nonsmokers and may experience more complications during the healing process.

12. It increases the risk of cataract.

13. It is a risk factor for age related macular degeneration (in the eyes).

14. It accelerates diabetic retinopathy.

15. It damages the optic nerve (tobacco-alcohol amblyopia).

16. In patients with HIV, smoking makes it more difficult to fight of serious infections, worsens liver problems and worsens HIV medicine complications.

17. Smokers have lower sperm counts. The sperms have poor motility and show abnormalities in shape and function.

18. It increases the risk of exercise related injuries.

19. It has a detrimental effect on athletic performance.

20. It is associated with low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

21. Smokers have disturbed sleep patterns.

22. It is a risk factor for emphysema & chronic bronchitis.

23. It reduces alertness and reflex speed.

24. Asbestos workers who smoke have 90 times the risk of dying compared to non smokers and non asbestos workers.

25. It is a risk factor for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

26. Smokers are more likely to develop a peptic ulcer. An ulcer in a smoker will take longer to heal or may not heal at all.

27. It damages the liver.

28. It increases the risk of developing Crohn's disease.

29. It increases the risk of developing gall stones especially in women.

30. It accelerates the normal aging process of the skin and contributes to wrinkles.

31. Smokers are more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop dementia of any kind and Alzheimer's disease.

32. It lessens life expectancy by an average of 15 years.

33. Women who smoke have an increased risk for death from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

34. Women smokers have an early menopause and experience more menopausal symptoms.

35. It increases the risk of depression.

36. Smokers are more likely to develop priodontitis or gum disease and yellow teeth.

37. Smoking is a risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia.

38. Complication rates after surgery are higher in smokers.

39. It increases your chances of being hospitalized by up to 60%.

40. Smoking causes bad breath.