THIS June, the National No Smoking Month (NNSM) is observed with the theme "Tobacco: Threat to the Environment.” The NNSM aims to raise awareness on the harmful effects of smoking towards people and the environment.
According to the World Health Organization, smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection “as the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth. Smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness.” At the same time, contracting the deadly virus is a condition that increases oxygen needs or reduces the ability of the body to use it properly, thus putting them at a higher risk of serious lung conditions such as pneumonia.
Data site ourworldindata.org cites that smoking remains to be one of the manor causes for early death with an estimated 8 million people who died from smoking in 2017. In the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Health reported last year that there 15.9 million Filipino or at least 14.7% of our population have continued smoking despite the government’s persistent campaign against tobacco products.
So, how can a smoker be able to quit smoking? Dale Mazurek, an ex-smoker who takes in 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 30 years, shares how he was able to stop the deadly habit of smoking. Nicotine inhalers, gums and e-cigarettes have helped him quit smoking. These, according to him “helped” him on his endeavor of quitting smoking, and he says smokers must have the determination and motivation to really stop smoking.
Also, during the first few days of not smoking, it is recommended for those who wish to quit smoking to take plenty of juices such as cranberry juice which will help stabilize blood sugars. Baking soda should also be added to your dietary consumption since it increases the pH in the urine which results to a decreased craving for nicotine. Alkaline-forming foods such as spinach, raisins and almonds should be preferred to acid-forming foods, like meat, greasy snacks and sweet soft drinks, as these will only intensify your cravings.
Drinking alcohol should also be avoided “because not only is it a fact that when you drink alcohol is when you're most likely to want to smoke, but without alcohol the body's alkaline balance will improve more rapidly, thus diminishing cravings.” And last but equally important in the journey of quitting smoking is a regular exercise which will help you achieve a healthy heart rate and reduce stress levels.
Quitting smoking is as hard as losing weight. Having the proper motivation sets the difference. Do it not only for your own safety and health, but for your loved ones as well.