Breaking through the fog and revealing the six major misunderstandings about smoking and quitting smoking

In today's society, the relationship between smoking and health has become a well-known topic. Tobacco smoke contains a variety of known carcinogens, and there is sufficient evidence that smoking can cause a variety of malignant tumors, as well as multiple systemic diseases such as the respiratory system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. According to a report by the World Health Organization, one in three smokers dies from smoking-related diseases, and the average life expectancy of smokers is 10 years shorter than that of non-smokers. The harm of tobacco to health has become one of the most serious public health problems in the world today.

The National Health Commission and the World Health Organization's representative office in China jointly released the "China Smoking Health Report 2020". The report shows that there are more than 300 million smokers in my country, and the smoking rate of people aged 15 and above is 26.6%, among which the smoking rate of men is as high as 50.5%. Tobacco kills more than 1 million people in my country every year. If no effective action is taken, it is expected to increase to 2 million people per year by 2030 and 3 million people per year by 2050.

There are still many sayings circulating among the people about smoking and quitting smoking, which may confuse people or lead to misunderstandings. Today, let me lead you to break through the fog and reveal the six major misunderstandings about smoking and quitting smoking.

1. Myth 1: Smoking can refresh your mind

Many people believe that smoking can refresh the mind and make people feel refreshed. In fact, this is an illusion. When smoking, nicotine stimulates the brain to release dopamine, which makes people feel short-term pleasure and excitement. But nicotine is also a strong addictive substance. Long-term smoking will increase the brain's dependence on nicotine. Once you stop smoking, you will experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and lack of concentration. Therefore, smoking cannot really refresh the mind, but will damage brain function.

2. Myth 2: Smoking can relieve stress

When the pressure is too great, some people will choose to smoke to relieve the pressure. However, smoking can only make people feel relaxed temporarily, and it cannot really solve the problem. Long-term smoking will damage the cardiovascular system, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and increase the pressure on the body. The correct way to relieve stress should be a healthy lifestyle such as exercise, rest, and entertainment.

3. Myth 3: Quitting smoking will lead to weight gain

Some people think that quitting smoking will lead to weight gain, so they are afraid to quit smoking easily. In fact, quitting smoking may indeed make people gain weight in the short term. This is because after quitting smoking, appetite may increase, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms may also make people hungrier. However, this weight gain is temporary. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise, your weight will gradually return to normal after quitting smoking.

4. Myth 4: Smoking helps with socializing

In social situations, smoking is often considered a means of enhancing communication. However, smoking is not only harmful to health, but also causes harm to others through secondhand smoke. As people's health awareness increases, more and more people are beginning to refuse to smoke. Therefore, smoking is not a necessary means of socializing, but may become a social barrier.

5. Myth 5: Low-tar cigarettes are healthier

In order to attract smokers, some tobacco companies have launched low-tar cigarettes, claiming that they are healthier. However, low tar does not mean harmless. The reduction in tar content does not mean that the content of nicotine and other harmful substances is also reduced, and low-tar cigarettes may make people inhale more deeply, thereby increasing the risk of lung cancer.

6. Myth 6: It is difficult to quit smoking successfully

Many people think that quitting smoking is difficult, so they give up trying. In fact, quitting smoking does require willpower and perseverance, but it is not impossible. The key to successfully quitting smoking is to find a method that suits you, such as gradually reducing the amount of smoking, seeking professional help, and joining a smoking cessation support group. In addition, after quitting smoking, a series of positive changes will occur in the body, such as improved cardiovascular system and enhanced respiratory system function, which will make people more motivated to quit smoking.

Summarize:

The topic of smoking and quitting smoking cannot be ignored. Correctly understanding and dispelling misunderstandings are crucial to the health of each of us. Quitting smoking is a battle of the mind and an investment in your body and life. Let us work together to dispel misunderstandings, move towards a healthy lifestyle, and take responsibility for the future of ourselves and our families. Remember, it is never too late to quit smoking!