Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
If you’re wondering, “Compared to heavy smokers, are light smokers at risk?” we have the answer. Simply put, light smokers are still at risk for overall harmful health effects.
Continue reading for more information on cigarettes, smoking, and its effects on the body.
What Are Cigarettes?
Most cigarettes that you’ll find in every store are made of tobacco, added chemicals, filters, and are encased in paper rolls. These are popular habits picked up by many Americans and are the root of many issues.
Generally, we’re all aware of the fact that smoking is harmful. But why? Because cigarettes are the common cause of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. Both smokers and nonsmokers are at risk of being exposed to the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, making these environments highly harmful.
However, while contributing to the environmental issue of inhaling others’ cigarette smoke, cigarettes also have an adverse effect on the body.
What Are the Health Effects of Smoking?
Smokers are at risk for damaging almost every organ in their body just by inhaling cigarette smoke.
There are several intense issues that smoking cigarettes provide to the human body.
- An increased risk of coronary heart disease
- Risk of strokes
- Increased possibilities of developing lung cancer
- A direct cause of lung cancer
- The possibility of developing cancer in almost any part of your body
- A decline in the health of gums and teeth
- A decrease in fertility for both men and women
- Risk of weakening bones
These health effects are accompanied by the fact that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in America. Nearly 1 in 5 deaths are contributed to a smoking habit, resulting in disease and premature deaths.
Though it may seem that these health complications are only applicable to heavy smokers, smoking is a risk factor, and light smokers are still at risk for these ailments.
How Light Smokers Are Still in Danger
Even though smoking less is better than keeping a steady smoking habit, it still presents risks and can lead to a heavy smoking habit.
Individuals might smoke lightly thinking they’re weaning themselves off of cigarettes or enjoying a weekend activity. Smoking once a month, having cut down to 1 cigarette a day, and the occasional smoking after quitting are all dangers that light smokers face.
Light smokers are still in danger of developing cancer, cataracts, and heart disease, and quitting completely is the best option.
Beginning to Quit Smoking
Perhaps light smokers use the occasional cigarette to avoid trying to quit altogether. However, this is a problem due to the continued use of cigarettes. There are several things you can do to begin quitting smoking.
- Throw away your cigarettes and lighters
- Drink water throughout the day
- Exercise
- Chew gum or suck on hard candy
- Meditate
- Avoid caffeine
Trying to quit smoking might seem too overwhelming or frightening to do alone. There are many resources to dropping a smoking habit so that you don’t have to do it by yourself.
Transitioning From Light Smoker to Non-Smoker
Once light smokers have practiced quitting the occasional cigarettes, they can reduce the overall negative health effects that smoking presents. Light smoking is better than smoking heavily but not better for your body.
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