Five reasons to quit smoking

At 40, Vinod Sinha was a 3-pack a day smoker and was being urged to quit by his wife and family. He tried patches, medications, going cold turkey, and even had a session with a hypnotherapist. When he finally quit, it was because of none of these methods, but because his elderly father told him a simple truth: “If you really love your kids, you will quit smoking.” Vinod’s second child had just been born.

Twenty years on, Vinod has not looked back since. It was a simple statement from his beloved dad, but it struck a deep chord. Sometimes, sincerely meant words can have the greatest impact.

Today, those very words have been reiterated by Prof. David Currow, Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW.

While there are many benefits to giving up smoking, Prof.Currow has narrowed down the top five reasons to quit for good:

Reducing your risk of smoking-related diseases

Tobacco smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and death in Australia. Research estimates that two in three lifetime smokers will die prematurely from a disease caused by smoking. These diseases include many different types of cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic bronchitis.

“The good news is that making the decision to quit smoking, no matter how long you’ve been smoking for, is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing as it reduces your likelihood of smoking-related diseases and improves your health,” Prof. Currow says.

Looking after your family

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Non-smokers who live with second-hand smoke are at a 20-30 per cent increased risk of lung cancer and a substantially increased risk of heart disease.

“Quitting smoking for the health and wellbeing of your family is a great motivator. It allows you to have a healthier smoke-free home and sets a good example for younger generations,” says Prof. Currow.

Saving money

With the current cost of cigarettes, a pack-a-day smoker could save around $10,000 each year if they give up the deadly habit. That’s enough for a nice holiday or to visit family and friends overseas. Within a few years you would have enough saved for a new car!

“The next tobacco tax increase, on 1 September 2019, will see the cost of cigarettes increase by a further 12.5%, so now is the time to quit and save that money for something more important,” says Prof.Currow.

Improving your looks

Quitting smoking can reduce your likelihood of wrinkles, psoriasis and even losing your teeth. The good news is once you quit smoking the appearance of your skin, nails, hair and eyes can improve.

Enjoying better sense of taste and smell

One of the first changes many smokers notice when they quit is a much better sense of taste and smell. Many smokers describe rediscovering these wonderful senses after a few days.

“You may also begin to recognise the unwanted, unlikeable smell of stale tobacco smoke on your clothes, and even on other people. This can be a great motivator to keep yourself on track having quit smoking,” Prof. Currow says.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and your family, is to give up smoking. Forprofessionalsupportandadviceonhow toquitsmokinginyourlanguage,callQuitline on 13 78 48.

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