| In 1992, the AMERICAN HEART
ASSOCIATION reported that secondhand smoke caused heart disease
and aggravated pre-existing heart disease. Secondhand smoke
kills about a year through heart disease, and it also has been
linked to cervical cancer, brain tumors, birth defects, and
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Chemicals in burning tobacco
at the end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar also pollute the air
as secondhand smoke.
Quitting smoking makes
a difference right away-you can taste and smell food better.
Your breath smells better. Your cough goes away. This happens
for men and women of all ages, even those who are older. It
happens for healthy people as well as those who already have
a disease or condition caused by smoking. Quitting smoking
cuts the risk of lung cancer, many other cancers, heart disease,
stroke, other lung diseases, and other respiratory illnesses
Why do you want to quit?
For your own health or your families? To save money? Whatever
your reason for quitting, there is nothing to lose and much
to gain. Support from your family and friends can be a great
help in you quest to quit smoking, but ultimately it is only
your desire and the force of will that will decide if you
will be successful or not. Don't let people discourage
you, telling you "it will never happen". All you need is self
assurance to help you through the rough spots. In fact, by
quitting you will gain selfrespect and the respect of those
important to you.
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