Public Relations Workgroup OP ED
January 2009
As you ring in the New Year, you might be joining millions of others across the country in making some resolutions. Many people make resolutions focused on living a healthier lifestyle – going to the gym more often, sticking to a better diet, etc. As more studies surface detailing the negative effects of tobacco smoke, consider kicking the habit this year.
Smoking-related diseases claim hundreds of thousands of lives in America annually. This damaging habit can cause lung cancer, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The 2006 Surgeon General’s report clearly identifies causal relationships between smoking and negative health effects such as asthma, coughing and disease.
Refraining from smoking can not only improve your physical health, but your mental health as well. Those with mental illnesses are more likely to smoke cigarettes, and in higher volumes, often as a form of self-medication. Although the nicotine can have a calming effect, appearing to reduce anxiety, studies have shown that smoking can increase psychotic symptoms.
Recent statistics show that persons with serious mental illness are now dying 25 years earlier than the general population. That’s right, 25 years! Our physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. You shouldn’t focus on one and ignore the other. It is important to focus on keeping your physical self healthy while battling any sort of mental health concerns too. Quitting smoking can have a huge impact on decreasing your risk of premature death.
Other studies have shown that 75 percent of individuals with either addictions or mental health illnesses smoke cigarettes, compared with 23 percent of the general population. If you struggle with mental health issues or addictions, step up and prove the statistics wrong by keeping yourself physically healthy and living longer.
There are several ways to start the challenging process of deserting this addictive habit. It is important to identify the situations that cause you to turn to nicotine. By identifying the triggers for smoking, you can develop ways to avoid or cope with the things that might cause you to return to smoking after you’ve quit.
An important part of kicking the habit is to continue rewarding yourself each day you refrain from smoking . Stay positive and don’t give up if you have one or two cigarettes. Ask a non-smoking friend or family member to help keep you on track and plan your rewards. Finding local support groups can also help you stay smoke-free. There are so many resources available, nationally and locally, for those who want to quit smoking. The Michigan Department of Community Health website offers many sources that can help, including links to online prevention courses.
Addiction is not a choice. Neither is mental illness. This year, though, you can live your life in a healthier way by making the choice to quit smoking. Start changing the statistics by beginning the year with a new commitment to kick the habit!