Why vaping is dangerous and how to quit smoking

E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative than traditional cigarettes. This doesn’t make e-cigarette use (also known as vaping or JUULing, after a popular brand of e-cigarette) a healthy activity. E-cigs still contain nicotine and cancer-causing agents found in traditional smoking devices.

Although researchers are still determining the long-term effects of vaping, scientists have found that young vapers may be more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes in the future. The presence of nicotine, a highly addictive substance, can harm a developing adolescent brain and increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs

Quitting smoking - of any type - is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs and improve quality of life.

Some benefits of quitting smoking are:

• Likely prolong your life
• Reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, throat cancer, lung disease (emphysema or COPD), heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers or gum disease
• Feel healthier
• Improved sense of taste and smell
• Save money

How to quit smoking

There’s no single way to quit smoking that works for everyone. A smoking cessation program may be helpful. Ask your doctor about a program in your community.

Make a plan to help you quit.

• Pick a date to stop smoking and prepare for it.
• Tell your family and friends so they can support you.
• Record when and why you smoke so you are aware of triggers.
• Record what you do when you smoke.
• List your reasons for quitting.
• Find activities to replace smoking.
• Ask your doctor about using nicotine replacement products.

Tips to help you succeed:

• Think about what you are gaining instead of what you are missing.
• Read your list of reasons for quitting.
• When you get the urge to smoke, take a deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds, then release it slowly.
• Keep your hands busy.
• Don’t carry a lighter, matches or cigarettes.
• Go to places that don’t allow smoking.
• Eat low calorie, healthy foods, such as carrot or celery sticks, fresh fruit and fat-free snacks; avoid sugary or spicy foods.
• Drink lots of fluids such as water, herbal teas and juices; avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Exercise to help you relax.
• Hang out with nonsmokers.
• Talk to others for support.

Possible withdrawal symptoms:

• Crave cigarettes
• Feel very hungry
• Cough
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constipation
• Feel very tired
• Feel nervous or sad
• Sore throat
• Difficulty sleeping

Although withdrawal symptoms will be the strongest when you first quit, they will quickly improve and should go away within a few weeks. Don’t give up!