Page 54 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2018

HEALTHY LIVING year to quit
BEACH VIEW FAMILY DENTAL:
TIME TO FIND YOUR REASON TO
QUIT TOBACCO FOR GOOD story by Karen Crews, D.M.D.
Many people use the New Year to make positive decisions. If you have made the popular decision to quit using
cigarettes, cigars or smokeless tobacco, you are in good company. Today, there are more people in the United States who have quit using tobacco than those who use... in fact, over 50 million!
Often times individuals choose quitting tobacco for health reasons. Rather than focus on the negative effects of continuing to use tobacco, it’s helpful to understand the positive benefits of quitting. Research shows that quitting tobacco reduces depression, anxiety and stress.
Additionally, the health benefits are immediate and long term. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure begin reducing to normal. Within 12 hours, your carbon monoxide levels return to normal. After two days, your nerve endings begin to regenerate and your smell and taste improve.
In the next few weeks and months, your lung function, coughing and shortness of breath will improve. Most significantly, every year you remain tobacco free improves your cardiovascular and lung health, reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
While there are many reasons to quit tobacco, what motivates you is most important. Talk with your healthcare provider and contact the Mississippi Quitline at 1-800-QuitNow for free services. Make 2018 your year to quit!
54 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2018
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net