We all know smoking is bad for us, but once we reach a certain age, is it even possible to break the habit? Research shows that not only do we have the ability to quit smoking at any age, but doing so can improve your health at any age as well. Even if you’ve been a smoker for thirty years, there are many benefits of quitting.
Immediately feel better
After years of smoking, you may not realize the toll it takes on your body on a day-to-day basis. Once you quit, your carbon dioxide levels will start declining, making it easier to breath and improving your lung functions. Your heart rate and blood pressure will also drop to more normal levels, and as a result, you’ll also experience an uptick in your energy levels.
Get rid of that pesky cough
Smokers often experience a nagging cough caused by the phlegm that builds up in the lungs from smoking and the cough only gets worse and more persistent over time. But once you quit, the cough will begin to subside, and could even disappear completely. According to the American Cancer Society, the cilia in the lungs will regain its ability to handle mucus production effectively once the person stops smoking.
Prevent disease and live longer
Quitting can reduce your risk for all kinds of serious health problems and diseases, including heart attacks, cancer, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The National Health Institute Survey also found that smokers who quit before age 40 reduced their chance of dying prematurely from smoking-related diseases by about 90 percent, and those who quit by age 45-54 reduced their chance of dying prematurely by about two-thirds. Even those who quit over the age of 60 can add years to their life.
While you or a family member or friend work toward quitting, BEK Medical can provide respiratory and other medical equipment to help you maintain a comfortable and active lifestyle. Come check out our inventory in person at our Texas locations or shop online today!
