5 excuses for not quitting

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, England --  5 excuses for not quitting

5. I don't even know where to begin.
Seeking help for quitting tobacco is just a click away. Smokefree.gov is an interactive website designed to help people kick the habit and begin their journey toward a healthier lifestyles. For resources closer to home, contact the 501st Combat Support Wing Health Promotion Office at DSN: 314-268-4506 or 01480 84 4506.

4. The damage is done, why quit now?
Within 20 minutes of quitting: Heart rate and blood pressure drop.
By 12 hours: Carbon monoxide level in the blood stream drops to normal.
Within three months: Circulation and lung function improves.
After nine months: Less coughing and easier breathing.
One year: Risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.
Five years: Risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancer are cut in half.
10 years: Half as likely to die from lung cancer.
15 years: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker's risk.

3. Who cares? It's only affecting me.
Let's talk about second-hand smoke - within five minutes of exposure to this type of smoke, a healthy non-smoker will begin experiencing negative health effects, comparable to a smoker who smokes one cigarette. Children exposed to this type of smoke are also more likely to contract bronchitis and pneumonia, in addition to developing severe asthma.

2. I don't smoke, I dip - it's safer.
Sorry to burst the bubble, but there is no safe form of tobacco use. All forms are harmful and can cause cancer.

1. I've already tried and failed.
Twenty minutes after taking that final drag, the human body begins to heal. However, during this repair process, chances are people will feel worse before they feel better - which is why there are numerous support agencies and resources available. Contact the Health Promotion Office for more information on starting a tobacco-free lifestyle today.