Many health organizations are spreading facts and information about women who smoke regularly. The numbers of women smokers have increased drastically over the past 20 years. They have contributed to making smoking an epidemic in the U.S. It is estimated that there are about 200 million women worldwide, who smoke regularly. About 17% of women in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. As a result, smoking takes an annual toll of 170,000 American women.
Hazards of Smoking
It is a common fact that smoking can cause terrible diseases like emphysema, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Besides, there are may other women-specific diseases that can be attributed to smoking. Examples are cervical cancer, nursing difficulties, premature birth of babies, miscarriage, and placental abruption in pregnant women.
Nicotine is Addictive
Nicotine in cigarettes is so addictive that many smokers try up to seven times, to quit smoking for good. Women smokers generally wait for a particular event such as marriage or pregnancy to stop smoking.
How to Quit Smoking
Do not be casual in trying to kick the habit. This will only lead to relapse and disappointment. Many smokers are blissfully ignorant about the various quit smoking aids available in the market. So, it is imperative that women smokers visit a doctor or some other professional to get proper advice on how to go about quitting smoking. They should not feel any shame in doing this, as smoking is no less addictive than opium or cocaine usage.
Chances of Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking cold turkey is effective only in 3-5% of cases. But, using quit smoking aids doubles the chances. If you take recourse to counseling, then your chances of quitting smoking increase to 20%.
Health Improves after Quitting Smoking
Many health risks due to smoking can be lessened after stopping the dreadful addiction. Pregnancy-related risks can be reduced dramatically, so pregnant women stand to gain if they quit smoking. Over the long term, improvement is seen in pulmonary and cardiovascular health of women.
