How Smoking Accelerates aging

Each time a cigarette is smoked, chemicals are released into your body that make the blood vessels "sticky" encouraging fatty deposit build up (atheroma) in the arteries called atherosclerosis. This may progress to clot formation which may in turn lead to angina and a sudden heart attack. As a matter of fact, Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to have a Heart attack. Fortunately, this risk is cut in half five years after quitting and after 10 years falls to the same level as someone who has never smoked.

Cigarette 

Cigarette smoking is a very important cause of disease of the leg arteries which leads to pain when walking (Intermittent Claudication).The condition is rarely seen in non-smokers and may lead to Amputation of the leg. Smokers are 3 times more likely to suffer a Stroke and if there is associated high blood pressure, are 20 times more likely than non~ smokers with normal blood pressure. Smoking narrows the arteries and leads to high blood pressure both of which are major risk factors for

stroke.

Smoking is the most common ca.use of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). COPD describes a group of conditions such as Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. In these conditions, the airways of the lungs are narrowed so breathing becomes difficult. There is no cure but symptoms can be alleviated.

Passive Smoking or involuntary smoking occurs when non-smokers inhale other peoples smoke and it is detrimental to the health of non-smokers. Smokers should realise that in addition to causing themselves harm, others may suffer as a result. Immediate effects on others include coughing, headaches, nausea, sore thrOat and eye irritation. Individuals .are also at risk of developing smoking-related dIseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. 

Children expOsed to smoke have a greater incidence of chest infections and asthma is worsened in those afflicted. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of still birth, low birth weight as well as early death. Smoking in the same room as an infant may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIOS) also known as cot death. Children of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are likely to have

stunted physical and mental development up to the age of 11 years. 

On the average Women have a lower risk of developing heart disease than men but smoking will seriously increase their chances of developing it. Women who take oral contraceptive pills which already ha~e a slight risk of developing str~ke or heart disease increase the risk even more If they smoke as well. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is also associated with smoking. 

Smokers are more likely to develop a condition known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMO) which may lead to . Blindness. The macula is an area of the retina at the back of the eye important for central vision and distinguishing colours.

When to Stop Smoking

If you are still healthy it is very important to stop before you get a smoking-related illness. It is even more important to stop if you're Overweight, don't Exercise or if heart disease runs in your family. If you have Just had a heart attack, it is in your interest to stop. This gives a very good motive to stop.

How to Stop Smoking Some people find it easy to stop w~ile ?thers find it very difficult. TIle important thmg IS to plan in advance to stick to the decision.

The main stages in giving up smoking arc:

Preparing to stop

2 . Setting a date in advance

3. Giving up smoking on lhat date

4. Sticking to the decision

Stopping like this after a period of preparation is the best way as it has been seen that people who stop gradually don't often succced. .

People who are really. addicted.to Nicotine may find it hard to do Without a cigarette in the mouth or hand. In this situation, Nicotine replacement may be helpful. This is done by taking nicotine through a safe method for a number of weeks to reduce cravings while you get used to not smoking. commonly used are

nicotine patches and chewmg gum. 

Apart from the devastating health problems associated with smoking I find it hard to understand why anyone would  want to go around with Bad Breath and Dull Sallow Skin?

Notes:

Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking and are irreversible.

How does smoking lead to wrinkles?

Smoking leads to wrinkles by causing the narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin, depleting it of oxygen and Important nutrients such as vitamin A. 

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin which are the fibres that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

In addition, repeated exposure to the. heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke may also contribute to wrinkle formation.