If you learned you could eliminate the largest cause of death in the Western world, would you actually do it?
Do you know how many people die of tobacco-related causes every year? Over seven million. More than 6 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use. Leaving over half a million deaths caused by second-hand smoking.
Every year.
Let that sink in for a while.
Now if you’re one of 2.5 million Aussies who have mad smoking skills but don’t want to die just yet, well… it’s high time to kick the habit and turn over a new leaf — and potentially influence other people to do the same thing.
Those who have been there before have tried everything — even doing ridiculous things like covering themselves in egg whites — and we raise our glasses (or juice boxes) to you.
Every former smoker started somewhere, so we have a modest challenge: start with 24 hours tobacco-free.
What Is World No Tobacco Day?
Every year on May 31, the world celebrates those who work to quit with World No Tobacco Day. And it comes with a challenge. Every participant gives their word that they won’t smoke for a day. The full 24 hours of it. For long-time smokers, this can be pretty tough. But if there’s a necessary step towards change, it’s doing the tough things.
It often takes several attempts to fully quit, so taking on a simple 24-hour challenge first can help you get the drive to take on the larger task of quitting for good.
Why Should I Quit Smoking?
Most people know that tobacco use contributes to lung cancer. However, many are surprised to learn that smoking can contribute to many other health issues as well. These range from other cancers to breathing difficulties and cardiovascular issues. Yes, tobacco is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. What’s more, 600,000 people die each year because they breathed in second-hand smoke, which is dangerous.
While calling it quits would dramatically improve your health, it can enhance your quality of life too. People who kicked the habit of smoking report that their senses of smell and taste improve within weeks or months of quitting, allowing them to enjoy good food, the outdoors, and other pleasures that they could not before.
Quitting also means more money in your pocket. In some areas, a twin pack of cigarettes can cost $50 or more. If you smoke just 10 cigarettes a day, that’s $87.50 a week literally up in smoke. Quitting leaves that money free for dinner dates, concerts, vacations, and other pleasures that you might otherwise have to do without.
Here’s How to Quit
Talking to your doctor is a must. But also, having a quit buddy can allow you and a friend to provide mutual support in your attempts to quit. Nicabate’s #quitmates campaign encourages you to pick a partner who has a habit they want to break and pledge to quit together as #quitmates. For most people, trying for the first three months is no picnic. But once you’ve gotten through those months, it’s very likely that you will successfully quit for good.
By setting a quit date like World Tobacco Day and making a commitment to change, you can cut out the habit and gain all the benefits of a smoke-free life. So, will you be taking the challenge this World No Tobacco Day?
