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 Stop Smoking
 Dear Dr. Suzy,
Q.
I know that I need to stop smoking and
cut back on drinking. Can you give me yet another reason why I should?
A.The best way to eliminate negative addictions, such as
cigarette smoking or alcohol abuse, is to replace them with positive habits,
such as exercise, meditation, or outdoor activities that you truly enjoy.
Remember, positive change in one area can have a "domino effect” on all
other parts of your life.
Understanding the facts may make it easier to choose the
direction in which you want your life to continue. For example, if you are a
heavy drinker, it may help motivate you to cut back or quit by realizing that
you are increasing your risk not only of liver cirrhosis, but cancer of the oral
cavity, larynx, and esophagus. Some evidence also suggests that regular alcohol
consumption increases breast cancer risk in women.
Also, just knowing that
nine out of ten men who die
from lung cancer smoke cigarettes should be reason enough for anyone who smokes
to stop now. Not smoking helps prevent many diseases, not only lung cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, three out of four men who get any kind
of cancer smoke cigarettes.
Deadly lung cancer is a
preventable tragedy.
87% of lung cancer cases in women wouldn't occur if they never smoked.
Many smokers never
realize just how strongly their subconscious minds are being manipulated by the
tobacco industry. Tobacco
companies spent $824 billion on ads and promotion in1999.
The tobacco industry's campaign has been so effective that smoking-related
illnesses kill more Americans every year than car accidents, alcohol, AIDS,
murders, suicides, drugs and fires combined.
In order to turn negative habits into positive ones, try to
surround yourself with healthy people and do not be afraid of being a little
different from the norm. It may take some time for people to adjust to the
changes you have made, but ultimately they will respect you even more for it and
someday, they may even ask your advice on lifestyle changes.
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