This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
Published on June 9, 2020, the World Health Organisation estimates that there are 1.1 billion smokers on the planet, with 80% residing in low and middle-income countries.
Each year, up to 50% of those exposed to tobacco smoke die as a result of the habit, resulting in 8 million deaths annually. This staggering number is equivalent to wiping out the combined populations of Nairobi, Kampala, and Mombasa every year.
Moreover, more than an eighth of these deaths occur among non-smokers who inhale second-hand smoke from those around them. The list of health conditions associated with smoking is extensive, including 14 different cancers, long-term lung conditions, cardiovascular illnesses, impotence, infertility, and bone health diseases.
Smoking also increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, making it a significant public health concern.
The mechanisms behind smoking addiction are complex, involving both the physiology of the central nervous system and psychology. Most career smokers will attest to multiple failed attempts to quit throughout their lives.
However, it's never too late to stop smoking, and the benefits of quitting kick in within 20 minutes of putting out a cigarette. These benefits range from immediate physiological improvements to the reversal of heart attack and stroke risks to normal levels within 5-15 years of quitting.
Studies have shown that people diagnosed with lung cancer have better outcomes when going into cancer therapy if they quit, and have a higher success rate at sustaining cessation.
Seeking professional help, such as a support program, can aid in quitting. The will to quit is a crucial ingredient, and understanding the health and economic harm caused by smoking is essential for those who are not ready to quit.
Don't let previous failed attempts discourage you; each failure provides valuable lessons on what to do differently. Incremental targets, such as quitting for a day and then trying for two days, can be helpful. Seeking inspiration from successful quitters and adopting a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a healthy diet can also aid in the quit process.
Set a quit date weeks ahead and inform those around you of the date, asking for their support and understanding. Remove any tobacco products from your surroundings, and be prepared for the first few days and weeks to be the hardest.
Withdrawal symptoms, such as coughs, headaches, cravings, and weight gain, may occur, but these symptoms rarely last longer than a month.
