Effect of smoking on health

The habit of smoking is a long recognized health hazard. In the developed countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002 estimated that smoking contributed to 26% of male deaths and 9% of female deaths. That is a very significant figure and should be taken very seriously. Some estimate that habitual smokers life is shortened by 2.5 to 10 years as compared to nonsmokers.

Major health hazard of smoking

The two major health problems caused by the smoking habit are cardiovascular system and cancer of the ling, mouth and throat. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people who have ever smoked will develop lung cancer. Those who continue to smoke will increase their risk to 1 in 6.

Smoking can also cause arterial narrowing which is a major cause of erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Benefits of stopping smoking

The longer you smoke, the higher your chances of developing health problems. However, the good news is that you can get almost immediate benefits by stopping your smoking habit as described in Immediate, short and long-term benefits of stopping smoking.

Help available to stop smoking

You can quit smoking merely by sheer will power. It is estimated that about 3-5% can succeed in stopping smoking this way. The others may be so addicted that they may need help to stop the smoking habit. Help is available in various forms. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help increase this percentage. Psychological support from a trained counsellor individually or in groups can also help but is hardly practical in countries where the medical hospital is hopelessly overcrowded.

Clinical trials have shown some medications to be effective in helping smoking habits. Among them are Zyban, also known by other brand names like Wellbutrin and Bupropion. They are available from Online Canadian Pharmacy Escrow Service. Now don't be deceived by the "Canadian" in its title as is has offices in many countries including Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland. And they deliver worldwide.