Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/847333
2 INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW The worst thing you can do for your health? The last or second-last legal drug? The cause of years of ill-health & suffering? The reason for the early demise of millions? A drain on individual and family budgets? A boon for the taxman? A cleverly introduced addiction targeting the most vulnerable? Smoking is almost certainly all of these things, and more. You have decided to quit (or cut back at least) which is simply great news – well done indeed! This decision is almost certainly the very best thing you can do for yourself and your health. This programme will help you with key information, practical advice, and professional support. We hope you'll find it valuable. What we cannot do is quit FOR you – your success here is really over to you, so let us wish you well. ThE DAMAGE IS GREAT Smoking is an extremely dangerous and damaging addiction. We're sure you know quite a bit about this but it seems worthwhile to emphasise some of the facts: Smoking cauSeS: • Stroke • heart attacks (2-3 times more likely in smokers vs. non-smokers) • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, clots in the legs) • Erectile dysfunction (impotence) • Cancers – lung cancer, laryngeal (voice box) cancer, pharyngeal (throat), cancer, nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) cancer, oesophageal (food pipe) cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer and bladder cancer • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (emphysema) Smoking contributeS to: • Osteoporosis (bone thinning that leads to fractures) • high blood pressure • Diabetes • Worsening asthma • Lung infections – bronchitis, pneumonia • Gum disease (causing loss of teeth)