Are you putting off smoking cessation? You may think
that if you smoke, the only disease that you are at risk of
getting is lung cancer (isn't that bad enough?). Guess
again.
Did you know that cigarette smoking is one of the leading
causes of heart disease? The chemicals in cigarettes,
cigarette smoke and other inhaled tobacco products
cause:
* Decreased oxygen to the heart.
* Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
* Increase in blood clotting.
* Damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other
blood vessels
* Hardening of the arteries
In addition, if you have one of the following diseases,
and you also smoke, you are at increased risk of having
either a heart attack or stroke:
* Obesity
* Diabetes (impairs circulation)
* High Blood Pressure (commonly referred to as
hypertension)
* High Cholesterol (blocks arteries, including the arteries
of the heart)
* Couch potatoism (otherwise known as a "sedentary
lifestyle")
In short, any of the above diseases either cause your
arteries to become clogged with plaque, or cause your
heart to work harder to push blood (and thereby
nutrients and oxygen) through your body. Now, assume
that your heart is already working beyond its full
functioning capacity, or struggling to do so. Then add the
hardening of the arteries and other harmful effects of
cigarette smoking. You, my friend, are begging to have a
heart attack or stroke. Add to this being overweight, and
your risk then increases even more dramatically. We are
not talking about a few minor health problems. We are
not talking about the small percentage of those that
have a heart attack or stroke and survive, some with
complications, such as paralysis (by the way, can you be
SURE you will be part of that percentage? And why take
the risk?). We are talking about potential death. From
what? Cigarette smoking and your weight, both factors
that are completely within your control.
At this point, diet and weight loss are not just important,
but CRITICAL. Equally as critical is getting help with
smoking cessation. Your life, as well as the lives of your
loved ones (if you smoke around them, i.e. second hand
smoke), is at risk.
Every pound you gain, every time you smoke cigarettes
(either directly or indirectly), puts you at greater risk for
disease. The more you put off smoking cessation, the
more at risk you put yourself. Ultimately, you are
responsible for your own health. Some things about
yourself you cannot change, such as your eye color,
height, etc. Some things you do have control over:
getting help to stop smoking is just one of these. Weight
loss and a sensible diet are the others.
We make it easy to burn fat, lose weight permanently and feel good about yourself. Stop wasting time and learn from the experts! Discover the essential keys to healthy living and weight loss, get free recipes, tips and articles by visiting: http://www.burn-your-fat.com
Marie Borges is a motivational writer, author and healthcare consultant. She specializes in educating and motivating clients on good nutrition, exercise and wellness to improve overall health and happiness. To change your body for the better, receive free tips, recipes, articles and more, go to http://www.burn-your-fat.com
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