Do you only smoke when you’re out with friends? So, in other words are you one of the 17% who describe themselves as “social smokers?” Think it’s not harmful? Think again.

The harmful effects of smoking on the body, the environment, and the cash that would otherwise be in your pocket; is widely known.  But, did you know that because of the disease causing properties of tobacco, there is no safe limit for cigarette smoking? Tobacco smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals, compounds and carcinogens; hundreds of which are toxic. A person doesn’t have to be a heavy smoker to suffer from the ill effects of those chemicals; any exposure to them could damage DNA in a way that could lead to cancer!

Turns out that sneaking a cigarette once in a while on the back porch while the kids are asleep could have serious health consequences!

Here’s what happens to your body after a single cigarette:

• Heart rate and blood pressure both increase and the blood flow to the capillaries decrease.
• Carbon monoxide levels increase and take the place of oxygen in some of the red blood cells, preventing oxygen from being carried to vital organs.
• Little finger-like cilia, which keep airways clear of phlegm, are stunned causing the tiny muscles in your airways to constrict.
• Measurable changes in the immune system takes place.

All these changes have a cumulative effect, and over time they can eventually lead to cancer as well as potentially lethal conditions, such as heart and vascular diseases.  A recent review also found that a few puffs now and then, is also connected to a host of other illnesses such as cataracts, reduced fertility and weak bones.

So, it’s crucial to be brutally honest with yourself. You need to accept that you are either a smoker or not – it is impossible to be “a little bit of a smoker.” A Us study found that smoking just 1 to4 cigarettes a day can triple your risk of dying from heart disease! Whoa! The solution? Quit completely.

For those addicted to nicotine, giving up can be a daunting task and it’s easy to feel that the damage has already been done. But, research shows that your body will begin with a series of positive physiological changes the minute you stub out your last cigarette. Amazing!

Yes, heart rate and blood pressure will return to normal within 20 minutes after your last smoke as the nicotine and carbon monoxide leave your body. Oxygen levels will return to normal within 8 hours, and your senses will start to improve after 48 hours. It is remarkable that your lung capacity will improve by 30% within 2 to 3 months, perfect to start with an exercise routine! 

The huge price tag on a packet of cigarettes hardly deters smokers, even in the face of current economic times. The cost of smoking goes far beyond a pack of cigarettes. There are numerous hidden costs, besides your health, that people don’t even think about.

People who smoke have generally more medical problems which automatically lead to increased health care costs. Also, think about the value of your car or home; a foul odour could decrease the resale value of your car and home. A bad smell and discolouration will definitely decrease the value to potential buyers. Smokers also have an increased chance of getting into a car accident, resulting in higher car insurance. Is it really worth all of this?

According to Dr Yussuf Salooyee, from The National Council against Smoking, nearly 10% of all deaths in South Africa are caused by smoking related illnesses, yet around 9 million South Africans continue to smoke!

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to mankind; there is no safe level of smoking. Isn’t it time for you to quit?

Source: naturalsociety.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.tobaccofreekids.org, stopsmoking.stanford.edu, www.abc.net.au, www.mirror.co.uk, www.thehealthsite.com, www.timeslive.co.za, www.livescience.com, www.health-e.org.za, www.womanshealthmag.co.uk, Colombia.edu, www.redonline.co.uk