 |
|
|
|
 Rick Morris celebrates during a workout with the Atlanta Hawks in February.
April 7th, 2012
12:00 PM ET
10 surprising benefits of quitting smokingRick Morris is one of seven CNN viewers participating in the CNN Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge. He quit smoking on an episode of "Sanjay Gupta, M.D." and has been smoke-free since. About two months ago, I quit smoking. At the time there were many reasons influencing my decision to finally choose a smoke-free lifestyle. I was worried about my health. I had high blood pressure. My doctor and everyone I knew was encouraging me to kick the habit. My family history is one of lung cancer and diabetes. The list goes on and on. Now that I've been without tobacco for the past couple months (63 days, to be exact), I've noticed some changes in the way I'm living. All are positive and are in direct relation to my body's depletion of those nasty chemicals I've called friends for the last 12 years. So I thought I would list those changes and explain how I have been affected by each. Though my list is restricted to 10, it is by no means an exhaustive one. 1. No more chronic cough: All smokers know what "smoker's cough" is. I didn't realize how annoying this was until I stopped coughing all the time. After about a week being smoke-free, I noticed I didn't have to clear my throat every few minutes. I recall plenty of times when I was at a function or meeting and needed to cough so badly, but couldn't because I knew it would be rude and interrupting to those around me. It's like an insect hovering in your throat – not touching, just drying everything between your tongue and your stomach – and you can't do a darn thing about it. 2. The smell: I didn't know I smelled so badly until I was around other smokers. Their clothes, home, car, even their pets reek! About a week after I smoked my last cancer stick, my daughter and her boyfriend, a smoker, dropped by for a visit. Their dog always peels for the door and makes it into the house first. Yeah, I actually smelled the odor of cigarettes coming from the dog. 3. No more cleaning butts: I swear that cigarette butts would multiply when I wasn't looking. I once placed a butt can out back on the patio and initially used it as intended. Pretty soon, I was too lazy to walk down the steps to the can and just started flipping cigarette butts out into the yard, in the area of the butt can (as if I were shooting a jump shot). I rarely scored. Eventually, they were lying everywhere. So much that I would just wait until the weekends to "clean" them with the leaf blower. Nasty, nasty, nasty! 4. It's just an extra $200 per month: Really, the extra money wasn't even noticed, as I can easily spend that on a night grilling on the patio (I love king crab and filet mignon, and only the finest Belgium beer!) So I really didn't look at this as a true benefit of not smoking. But, with the price of cigarettes reaching about $6 a pack in my area – and up to $11 in other areas of the nation – I discovered this adds up. And, it was clear the price of tobacco was just going to continue to rise. So, I got out my calculator. $6 a day multiplied by 365 days in the year. Comes out to $2,190. Looking at this long term, that's about $122,000 over the next 56 years (when I turn 100). Assuming cigarettes continue to increase in price at the present rate, then it's easy to see that number growing to half-million dollars. Invested wisely, I'm sure I can leave someone a big, fat payday! 5. Lost productivity: Sure, we all need a break or two during the work day. But I realized I was taking about 20 of these 5-minute breaks. In all honesty, each was probably about 10 minutes. About two-thirds of my breaks were when I was at work (I have a home-based web development business). So, that's more than 2 hours of breaking as opposed to working. How in the world was I getting my work done? I have since realized that I wasn't. 6. Food tastes much better: I don't know if it has something to do with a cleaner mouth, but food simply tastes better. I also find that I use less salt. I've heard on several occasions that if one quits smoking one gains weight, but I would warn people from using the weight-gain excuse as a viable argument when attempting to become smoke-free. Trading one bad habit for another isn't the way to go. 7. Non-smoking or non-smoking?: I think the air-line industry coined the phrase: "Smoking, or non-smoking?" And, I think it was the first group to eliminate cigarette smoking from a certain area (the airplane). Today, it's almost preposterous to think we once smoked during an international flight on a 747! "Non-smoking or non-smoking?" seems to be the rhetorical, unasked question wherever you go these days. It's understood. There will be no smoking here, or here, or there, or over there, or in there, or... well, you get the point. Unlike the Golden era of the 1920s and 1930s, when smoking was an upper-class hobby, a smoker's world is an unfriendly one today.Since the airlines quit asking that redundant question, smoking has been eliminated from virtually all public places. Restaurants, high-school football games, town parks, even bars and drinking establishments have become smoke-free. For smokers, drinking a beer without a cigarette is like playing pool without a beer! Whether smokers realize it or not, the very fact that one uses tobacco limits them in myriad ways – especially socially. I don't have to worry about that anymore. 8. Dry, sticky contact lenses: As a wearer of these miracle discs of ocular health, I know what smoking does to your contact lenses. Smoke makes them dry. They become cloudy and you're constantly rubbing your eyes. Eventually, your lenses get to the point where you must get them out. Fortunately, I wear disposable contact lenses. All I had to do was pop in a new set. But, at a couple dollars per lens, this was costing me. How to solve this annoying problem? Quit smoking! 9. Physical appearance: In the few months I've not smoked, I can tell my overall physical appearance has improved. My skin isn't dry and wrinkly. My bit of gray hair is actually going brown. My self-confidence in speaking directly to someone isn't hindered by my desire to turn at an angle because of smoker's breath. 10. Bye, bye yellow teeth: No matter how hard I brushed or swished fluoride, I couldn't seem to keep perfectly white teeth. "It's because you smoke," my dentist proclaimed. "And, unless you do something about that, your dental health will continue to deteriorate, thus affecting your overall health." Bad teeth can lead to serious health effects throughout your body. Yesterday I had a cleaning at the dentist, and plan to keep my teeth white and healthy from now on. soundoff (2,380 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Next »Post a comment
Next entry »What the Yuck: What's wrong with my nipples?
« Previous entryArsenic in chicken, or just feathers?
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
This is the perfect blog for anyone who would like to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been discussed for a long time. Great stuff, just great!
https://ams.ceu.edu/optimal/optimal.php?url=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-rialto-california/&refresh=1
https://www.bcdairy.ca/dairyfarmers/index?URL=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-san-clemente-california/
https://meetme.com/apps/redirect/?url=www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-plumbing-repair-near-me
http://haltern-am-see.de/Inhalte/Startseite/Tourismus/Sport_Freizeit/Vereine/index.asp?db=17&form=RedirectAction&redirecturl=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-castaic-californiacity-temp-wireframe&druckansicht=ja
https://imp.mx/salto.php?va=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-glendora-california/
erectile clinic tulsa ok kayamy tens 7000 erectile dysfunction
partner with erectile dysfunction slilicy erectile tissue
erectile injury sicAdofs erectile rehabilitation therapy
https://telecom.uu.ru/?a%5B%5D=<a+href=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/farmers-rv-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info.
https://store.law.com/linkredirector/default.asp?lrcat=BLOGNetwork&lrurl=https://tw.8fun.net/bbs/?471263
best erectile dysfunction drug kayamy help with erectile dysfunction
erectile remedies for men slilicy erectile dysfunction pump
erectile injection video sicAdofs erectile injections
http://wtk.db.com/777554543598768/optout?redirect=http://mallora-immobilien-direkt.de/forum/viewtopic.php?lang=es&p=165119
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes that produce the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
http://janeyleegrace.worldsecuresystems.com/redirect.aspx?destination=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-manhattan-beach-california/
https://www.cia.org.ar/BAK/bannerTarget.php?url=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-fullerton-california/
Thank you for some other great article. The place else may anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.
Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this informative article together.
I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be actually
one thing which I think I'd never understand. It seems too complicated and very large for me.
I am taking a look forward to your next publish,
I'll attempt to get the dangle of it!
erectile supplements that work kayamy erectile creams rite aid
fast acting erectile pills slilicy erectile 20170 elderly
erectile after you quit drinking sicAdofs buy erectile dysfunction meds
I am curious to find out what blog system you have been working with?
I'm experiencing some minor security issues with my latest site and I'd like to find something more safeguarded.
Do you have any suggestions?
Right here is the perfect website for everyone who
wants to find out about this topic. You know a whole
lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for
years. Excellent stuff, just excellent!
May I simply say what a comfort to uncover someone that truly understands what they're talking about on the internet. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story. It's surprising you're not more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
https://www.dailygood.org/more.php?op=get&url=ocrvcenter.com/rv-ac-repair-near-me
Itís nearly impossible to find well-informed people on this subject, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
http://yp.ocregister.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-villa-park-california/
This is very interesting, You're a very skilled blogger.
I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more
of your great post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Thanks in support of sharing such a fastidious opinion, paragraph is pleasant, thats
why i have read it fully
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more attention. Iíll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the information!
http://westernalliancebancorporation.com/WALSpeedBump_All_Others?target=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-lake-view-terrace-california
https://citrix.iamgold.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-interior-remodeling-near-me
Excellent blog you have here.. Itís hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
http://commissionsoup.com/opts.aspx?t=P6MCR2&u=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-aliso-viejo-california
improving erectile dysfunction kayamy is erectile dysfunction real
can erectile dysfunction caused by guilt slilicy erectile growing foods
erectile enhancement pills sicAdofs cialis without erectile dysfunction
This page really has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.
https://blogranking.fc2.com/out.php?id=1032500&url=https://bongdaplut.net/plus/profile.php?id=12760
http://www.cs.odu.edu/~mln/teaching/cs751-s11/?method=display&redirect=http://www.kenyanreport.com/2019/04/26/what-happened-between-ruto-and-the-moi-family-genesis-of-ruto-moi-beef/
Iím amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog thatís both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy that I found this in my search for something regarding this.
http://www.grandluxerail.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-roof-repair-near-me/
http://www.maexchange.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://www.ocrvcenter.com
http://triwa.com.au/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://ocrvcenter.com/
erectile function after prostate surgery kayamy can erectile dysfunction cause depression
erectile disorder symptoms slilicy erectile disorder icd 10
erectile disorder mayo clinic sicAdofs is erectile dysfunction real
Everyone a everyday sort of cosmetic procedure, but it
remains a fairly invasive a single. Unfortunately, this is actually the thinking of many nurses today.
Whhat would you say whenever you talk to yourself?
Heree is my blog post; scr888
I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I'm wanting to create my own blog
and would like to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named.
Kudos!
Hello there! Quick question that's completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My
blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might
be able to correct this problem. If you have any
recommendations, please share. Many thanks!
erectile dysfunction and topical formulas kayamy erectile therapy
erectile therapy slilicy what erectile dysfunction solution works best
will erectile dysfunction go away sicAdofs can erectile dysfunction be corrected
I was able to find good information from your articles.
https://raincoast.com/?URL=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-westminster-california/
what is tadalafil https://www.pharmaceptica.com/
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is a very neatly written article.
I'll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful
info. Thank you for the post. I'll definitely return.
Just wish to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity in your post is just spectacular and i could
assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with
your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date
with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying
work.
What's up mates, how is all, and what you want to say concerning
this piece of writing, in my view its truly amazing
designed for me.
car insurance quote
auto insurance agent near me
online auto insurance companies
affordable auto insurance
online car insurance
It's wonderful that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as
well as from our dialogue made at this time.
erectile dysfunction with diabetes kayamy erectile nerves
best erectile pills slilicy is erectile dysfunction a chronic disease
erectile vacuum pump demonstration sicAdofs top erectile dysfunction supplements
Hi! I could have sworn I've been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
Anyways, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be bookmarking and
checking back frequently!
Hi, There's no doubt that your web site could possibly be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful site!
http://www.layoutsparks.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-mechanic-near-me/
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do believe that you need to publish more about this topic,
it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not
discuss these issues. To the next! All the best!!
Look at my web page – bandar slot
http://www.secure.duoservers.com/?lang=en&s_id=123179&rdomain=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/class-b-collision-repair-shop-near-me/&action=order&popup=1
https://timemapper.okfnlabs.org/view?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-fountain-valley-california
You're so cool! I don't think I have read a single thing like this before. So wonderful to discover someone with some unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality!
https://lnfcu.com/helpers/choice.asp?h=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/tour-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me/