Women-Specific Health Risks Of Cigarette Smoking And Second Hand Smoke
Smoking is a major public health hazard. It is one of the main causes of premature death around the world as it can cause cancer, increase our risk of heart diseases, and other numerous smoking-related health risks. However, despite all the warnings about the bad effects of smoking, many people are still into it.
Yes, both men and women can suffer from the ill effects of cigarette smoking but there are specific effects that are only reserved for women. Here are some of the reasons to quit now.
Certain Types of Cancer
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a woman who smokes is at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
In addition to an increased chance of having lung cancer, It was revealed by a Danish study published in the Journal of the National Cancer that women who smoke are six times more likely to develop rectal cancer than those who don't.
Lastly, vulvar cancer, a type of gynecological cancer, may also occur frequently in a woman who smokes. Smokers experience a 40% higher risk of developing this devastating cancer.
Smoking Worsens Your Period
Premature Menopause
Pregnancy Complications
Respiratory Issues
Heart Issues
When a person smokes, the chemicals and tar in the cigarette can damage his/her blood vessels, blood cells, and heart. Because of this, the person is at high risk of having atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when the arteries to the arms and legs start to narrow, restricting blood flow.
When compared to men, studies revealed that women who smoke over the age of 35 have a high chance of dying from heart diseases and abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a weakening of the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.
Reproductive Issues
Some other reproductive issues women smokers can possibly experience are low estrogen levels which can cause mood swings, fatigue and vaginal dryness; and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a painful disease that often contributes to ectopic pregnancies as well as pelvic adhesions and other fertility problems.
Increased Risk Of Osteoporosis
“Cigarettes can lead to early osteoporosis, too. Many studies have shown smoking significantly reduces bone mineral density.”
Studies revealed that with just one pack of cigarettes a day, a woman may experience a 5 to 10% loss of bone density by the time she reaches menopause.
Here Are Some Effective Tips To Help You Quit Smoking
- If you want to quit smoking, you need to plan ahead of time and make sure that you have thrown away all your cigarettes and ashtrays when the quit-smoking day arrives.
- Many women put on 5 pounds when they kick the habit. Participating in a vigorous exercise program to help you prevent gaining extra pounds, help you quit, and for overall health benefits.
- Consume more raw veggies like celery and carrot sticks and other low-calorie munchies that mimic the action of smoking. Make them always available especially during a time wherein you feel like eating as a result of your desire to have something in your hand/mouth.
- Seek support. Women may join a support group to help them when difficult times or emotional conflicts occur. Some successful quitters take comfort in chat rooms designed for ex-smokers.
Once a woman stopped smoking, she will have clearer skin, more stable hormone, stronger immune system, improved oral health, and a lowered risk of developing various types of cancers.
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