The Cost of Smoking on your Health and Budget

There’s no surprise when hearing about deaths related to smoking or the various diseases caused by smoking but turn a blind eye.

Is it really worth it to smoke? I’m sure you know the answer to this question but most smoker’s either choose to ignore it or struggle to give up this habit.

Smoking is a harmful addiction, one that can cause your bank account to suffer and your loved one’s wishing there was something they could have done when you’re gone.

As I lay here tonight and write this post I am thinking about tomorrow morning and what life will be like for us.  While watching Global Television a commercial appeared called driven to quit which is a challenge to motivate smokers to quit for the month of March.

My wife is a huge Young and the Restless fan so everyday we were seeing this commercial Monday to Friday when something clicked. We both decided that it was time to stop letting cigarettes rule our lives as of January 30,2012.

We both signed up for the challenge with the support of friends and family.  Quitting smoking for the month of March was far from our goal as we want to quit for life.

We were given numerous samples of Nicorette  gum and patches by our pharmacy and Doctor which we’re thankful for.

What happens when you quit: We had no idea and we are glad we researched this information.

• 20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal
• 8 hours: Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal.
• 24 hours: Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
• 48 hours: There is no nicotine left in your body. Your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
• 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels increase.
• 2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking and running a whole lot easier.
• 3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems get better as your lung function is increased by up to 10%.
• 5 years: Heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
• 10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to same as someone who has never smoked.

  

Some of the questions we asked ourselves were;

• What triggers our smoking?
• When will we quit or set a date?
• Why do we smoke?
• How will we deal with cravings?
• How do we plan to quit?
• Who will be our support system?
• How do we deal with withdrawal symptoms?

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