Smoking is often considered a habit that is difficult to avoid, even though many people know its dangers. But, did you know that the effects of smoking don't just stop at the lungs? There are many other impacts that are rarely discussed, ranging from the risk of stroke to cancer in various parts of the body. This article thoroughly examines the often overlooked terrible effects of smoking, in the hope that you can better understand the importance of maintaining your health. So, if you are still curious about the impacts, let's continue reading!
Why is Smoking So Dangerous?
Smoking involves burning tobacco which produces more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and at least 70 are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Substances such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide slowly damage organs in the body, not just the lungs. The bad effects can last for years, even after you quit smoking.
Read more : 4000 Hazardous Chemical Substances in Cigarettes
1. Stroke: The Silent Threat of Cigarettes
Many people do not realize that smoking is one of the main causes of stroke. The chemicals in cigarettes damage blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). As a result, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and the risk of stroke increases dramatically. Even passive smokers can be affected by this effect!
Interesting fact:Smokers have a risk of stroke up to two times higher than those who do not smoke.
2. Cancer: Not Just Lungs
When talking about cancer caused by smoking, most people only focus on lung cancer. In fact, smoking also increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidneys, and even bladder. Tar produced from burning tobacco carries carcinogenic substances throughout the body through the blood.
Shocking data:About 30% of cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
3. Heart Disease: More Dangerous Than You Think .
Nicotine in cigarettes is not only addictive, but also increases blood pressure and heart rate. This puts extra stress on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. In addition, carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
4. Skin Damage and Premature Aging
Smoking not only damages internal organs but also external organs such as the skin. Chemicals in cigarettes accelerate skin aging, causing wrinkles, dull skin, and loss of elasticity. This makes smokers look older than their actual age.
Read more : More women will face wrinkles by smoking
5. Fertility and Pregnancy Disorders
For men, smoking can reduce sperm quality, leading to infertility. While for women, smoking can cause ovulation disorders and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage and premature birth.
Important note:Pregnant women who smoke also increase the risk of babies having birth defects.
6. Impact of Smoking on Mental Health .
Some people smoke to cope with stress, but in fact, this habit can worsen mental conditions. Nicotine provides a temporary pleasant effect, but after that, you will feel more anxious and irritable. In the long term, smoking actually worsens mental health.
Is Quitting Smoking Too Late?
The answer is NO !!!...
No matter how long you've been smoking, quitting still has major health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of quitting smoking:
- Within 20 minutes, blood pressure and heart rate begin to return to normal.
- Within 2-12 weeks, blood circulation and lung function improve.
- Within 1 year, the risk of heart disease is halved compared to active smokers.
- Within 10 years, the risk of lung cancer drops by 50%.
Steps to Quit Smoking
1. Determine Your Reason: What motivates you to quit? Health? Family? Cost?2. Find Support: Join a community or consult a doctor.3. Replace Habits: Replace smoking with something more positive, such as exercise or meditation.4. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy: If necessary, use nicotine gum or nicotine patches to help reduce dependence.
The impact of smoking is indeed incredibly dangerous, not only for active smokers but also for those around them. Starting from the risk of stroke to various types of cancer, smoking haunts every aspect of our health. So, let's start taking small steps to quit smoking right now!
Recommended Reading:
- [World Health Organization: Effects of Smoking](https://www.who.int/)
- [CDC: The Health Consequences of Smoking](https://www.cdc.gov/)
By quitting smoking, you are not only saving yourself but also the people you love. So, the decision is in your hands!
From Stroke to Cancer, the Rarely Discussed Impacts of Smoking
Reviewed by irvan mulya
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Reviewed by irvan mulya
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6:11 AM
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