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As part of Healthy Times anti-smoking campaign, we will be posting smoking related articles that will highlight the dangers of this bad habit. In Part 1 of “Quit Smoking, It Kills”, we put the spotlight on women who pick up smoking, why they pick it up and why they should quit.

Part 2 of this article will be posted on our blog tomorrow. You can also show your support to Healthy Times Anti-Smoking Campaign by logging on to http://www.e-healthytimes.com/quitsmoking/

Smoking kills, as you’ve seen in the numerous advertisements plastered everywhere, even on cigarette boxes, but smokers continue to light up. About 7 Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking-related diseases each day, and it’s not surprising considering the 4700 cancer-causing chemicals in a single cigarette. And you wonder why people would want to inhale harmful substances such as acetone, ammonia, formaldehyde and arsenic.

These days, it is not the men that worship the holy stick. A 2004 National Health Survey showed that 44.5% of Singaporean women aged 25 to 34 years smoke to deal with stress and problems. Social influences also play a significant role.

Most modern women today will agree that the demands and multiple roles they have taken on have grown over the years. It is no small wonder that many have turned to cigarettes to deal with stress.

Fresh Air for Women (FAFW)

Started in 2004 by the Health Promotion Board, Fresh Air for Women (FAFW) focuses on raising awareness and helping smokers quit. Focused on inspiring and empowering women to take positive actions and discover their true potential, the network of ex-smokers, ambassadors, professional quit advisors from Guardian Health and Beauty, partners and friends offer practical advice, support and resources to help women quit and stay smoke-free.

FAFW recently embarked on a new campaign, titled STRONG, to help women overcome life challenges, big and small, including quitting smoking. The slogan “Quitting cigarettes is tough, but I’m stronger”, galvanises women to win the battle against their sticks.

Why Quit

Find a reason to quit. This could be anything, from a New Year resolution to making a loved one less worried for you. It could be disturbing to note that smoking increases your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and gives you bad breath and stained teeth. The risk of infertility, lack of stamina and constant cough also impedes you in many activities.

What could have possessed you to take up smoking in the first place? Do something about it. Make the first move. Cross over to the side of victory. It will not be easy and you may require a number of attempts but you will never be alone.

Identify the Root Cause

Although the dependence of smokers is due to physical causes such as cravings and stimulation, there is a major psychological component too. Many women smoke as a reaction to stress or as a way to fit in. Once they get hooked, they find that the discomfort of withdrawal makes it difficult to quit. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, slight weight gain, dizziness, fatigue and tingling in the extremities. Not everyone can go cold turkey without succumbing to temptation.

Remember to join us in our “Healthy Times Magazine Anti-Smoking Campaign“.  Help us spread the word around.

To be continued…Join us tomorrow…..See ya…..

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