Smoking and high blood pressure

Despite all the reasons you enjoy smoking, the fact remains that you’re hurting your body. And it’s not just your lungs that are at risk: smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 2 to 4 times and continuing to smoke throughout your life shaves 13-14 years off of it.

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Here are a few tips on helping to reduce your tobacco consumption:

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1. Set a “Quit” day and let your friends know you are quitting smoking or vaping. Ask your friends to support you on your journey.

2. Choose your method of quitting such as a “cold turkey”, reducing number of cigarettes gradually or not finishing each cigarette.

3. Talk with your team about getting medication or substitute to help you quit

4. Make a plan for your “Quit” day and those that follow. You will want to keep yourself busy, with activities and healthy snacks on hand.

5. Quit! No excuses, no going back. It will not be ease and you might not be successful the first time but every improvement will help and be a positive step towards your future.

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Useful tip

Smoking is a (bad) habit so why not replace it with a healthier one? People who successfully quit smoking did so because they found other satisfying habits to create. Try joining a gym, see non-smoking friends, sign up for cooking classes or go to movies. Many smokers become "fidgety" without their dose of nicotine so if you are one of them why not to find a "new habit" that keeps you active and moving, like archery, swimming or other physical activity that keeps you moving?

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Source: The American Heart Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.