Everyone knows the harmful effects of smoking, nevertheless people continue to fight with reality and live in the bubble of myths. Let’s debunk all these myths which smokers believe in and combat their falsehoods and misunderstandings regarding tobacco use, vaping or e-cigarettes.
- Myth-Smoking occasionally isn’t that bad
People who smoke only to give their friends company or in parties; have convinced themselves escaped from any danger. Not true. Each time you use tobacco it is doing nothing but harm, one must understand that there is no such thing as being safely exposed to tobacco. Relatively little quantity will also give you strokes, blood clots, and damage the blood vessels.
- Myth-Cigarettes that are “light” are much safer
Cigarettes that are manufactured with different paper, blends or filters of tobacco are labelled to be mild, light or ultralight, making people believe it to be a better option for them. Hence, lot of people end up opting those. As a matter of fact, one receives the same quantity of tar from light cigarettes as from the regular one. The manufacture of this production was clearly misleading and was stopped by tobacco companies by the law. But you can still recognize these packaging on the shelves today.
- Myth-Too late to quit
Even if one has done it all his/her life, it’s never too late. Simply because life is worth giving a chance! At any given age if one decides to quit, it is only going to add to your life quality and better healthy living. The level of your blood pressure and heart rate starts to get better as soon as you stop and go without it for weeks. After one year or so the risk of heart disease falls down by 50% and after 10 years, your chances of it match with a non-smoker.
- Myth-E-cigarettes are said to be healthier
E-cigarettes too are home to many chemicals as it contains aerosol and it has ultrafine particles and nicotine that you inhale directly to the lungs. Vaping or E-cigarettes cannot be rightly said that they are safer although they can be less harmful in its intensity.
- Myth- I can handle it by exercising
People think that eating right and having loads of vegetables and fruits or exercising might reduce the severity of tobacco and balance their lifestyle. But you can certainly not reduce its impact. Your diet or exercise cannot undo the harm tobacco is causing you. Quit smoking completely and do not satisfy yourself by eating better or exercising.
- Myth- You can only quit through professional help
Most of the ex-smokers, if asked how did they quit, their response would be “unaided”. It’s true that strong will power people do not need prescribed drugs, therapies, or some smoking cessation experience. So if you ask them how they would quit the response would be “cold turkey”. However extreme cases would require certain medical attention.
- Myth- Gum and nicotine patches are equally bad as smoking
Though the nicotine could be addictive and might cause cancer but the way it is consumed by us determines how dangerous it could be. Though it’s harmful but when delivered through medicinal products, it could be less damaging.