Why nicotine and tobacco are harmful
But what else about nicotine and tobacco products make them dangerous?
According to the CDC, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable causes of disease, disability and death in the United States. In fact, more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking or tobacco use. Smoke and tobacco use can increase the risk of a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease, breathing problems, oral health issues and many types of cancer.
Benefits of being nicotine-free
Luckily, quitting tobacco and nicotine offers benefits almost immediately and can continue to reduce health risks over time. Some benefits of becoming nicotine-free include:
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- Lowering the risk of many types of cancer, including lung, mouth and throat cancers.
- Reducing the strain on the heart and lungs, improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk for coronary heart disease.
- Helping the body use oxygen more efficiently and lowering symptoms, like chronic coughing.
- Improving stamina and energy levels, helping with mental and physical health and overall quality of life.
- Protecting family members and others from secondhand smoke, eliminating the risks exposure to chemical-filled smoke can bring.
How to break free from nicotine
November also features The Great American Smokeout® from the American Cancer Society, which offers tools and resources to quit nicotine and smoking habits for good.
Part of our Healthy Merits Program?
Join this month’s No Butts Challenge, which invites you to give up tobacco for 30 days. Track each day you go without tobacco to complete the challenge. Log in through your Healthy Merits portal to learn more and get started.
For more ideas and information on quitting nicotine, download our flyer.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice.
