It's always a good choice to stop smoking
Are you a senior who smokes? Do you know or love a senior who smokes? Smoking is hard to give up at any age, but it can seem even more challenging for those who have smoked for decades. Seniors may think that there is no point in quitting since they have smoked for so long that it won’t make any difference. They may also believe that if they haven't had any negative health effects yet, they never will. Many seniors grew up in an era when there was no research to support the ill effects of smoking. That has changed!
The fact is smoking is directly responsible for the majority of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases. Smoking also plays a huge role in lung cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke and lower respiratory tract infections.
There are additional health and financial issues for seniors who smoke:
- Bone fractures occur in more seniors who smoke than those who do not.
- Quitting smoking will save money. Seniors will also save on home and life insurance, as well as health plans.
- Smoking in old age has been linked to macular degeneration, diabetes, colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and many other health disorders.
- Women who smoke may have an overall reduced bone density after menopause. This can lead to developing osteoporosis or l bone breaks and fractures.
There is help available
The benefits of quitting smoking are dramatic and immediate for seniors, too! Contact your pharmacist for 12 weeks of free smoking cessation products. You can obtain patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers.
For more information visit quitnow.ca
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