Tip 11: Quit Smoking, Really

Smoking is not healthy, and we all know that.  If you smoke, you know that smoking costs too much, both monetarily and physically.  Tobacco shortens our life expectancy and decreases the quality of our lives.  Interestingly, most people who smoke do not get lung cancer—they die of heart disease first.  The damage done to our lungs from smoking is almost all irreparable.  But listen to this:  Once you are smoke-free for five years, the risk to your heart is all but gone!  Specifically, the risk of heart attack in a person who has abstained from cigarettes for five years is the same as a non-smoker.  So if you quit now you can start to reduce your risk immediately.  You can use many options to help you quit: nicotine patches, hypnosis, Chantix, and cold turkey are all good methods.  If you need help, see your doctor and get the assistance you require.