If you are searching for the answer to this question, you are already on the right track toward quitting—and we are here for it! Smoking is incredibly harmful to your health, and if you smoke for a long period of your life, you are at a heightened risk of many different diseases and conditions.

We want you to improve your health however you can, and that includes giving up the habit of smoking. Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains why quitting is such a good choice below, so keep reading.

Doesn’t Smoking Just Affect Your Lungs?

If you smoke, your lungs are being exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals with every inhale you take. Tar can build up along the lining of your lungs and make it hard to breathe normally, and can increase your risk of respiratory issues and lung cancer.

It doesn’t stop there, though! The chemicals from smoking infiltrate every major organ and system in your body. Smoking can eventually affect your hearing and vision, and it can even kick-start the aging process all over. Yellowed and sagging skin, dental issues, wrinkles and thinning hair are all common occurrences.

Diseases That Can Be Caused by Smoking

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Emphysema

What Can I Expect if I Quit Smoking?

The health benefits begin within the first hour after quitting. Since smoking can dull your taste buds, you can regain your senses of smell and taste! You reduce your risk of heart disease and lung issues, and quitting can help you live a longer, healthier life overall.

Your family members can live healthier lives, too! Being exposed to secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone in your family and it increases their risk of the same diseases we mentioned above, even if they don’t smoke themselves. We know quitting can be hard, but your health and the health of your family should always take priority.

Start the Quitting Process Today

• Find your reason to quit.
• Research different cessation options.
• Consider counseling.
• Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville any day of the week.