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Effects of Smoking Tobacco

Smoking tobacco damages the airways and small air sacs in your lungs, as well as your heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system). This damage starts soon after you start smoking, and worsens as long as you continue. Smoking tobacco can eventually lead to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases and other chronic health conditions. In fact, it can harm nearly every organ system of your body. 

Smoking tobacco:

Increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss
Lowers your immune system function
Increases your risk of type 2 diabetes
Decreases your sense of smell and taste
Causes premature aging of your skin
Causes bad breath and stained teeth
Lowers your bone density 
Increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Increases your risk of cataracts 
Increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness
Causes wounds to take longer to heal

Please also be aware that, while there are many forms of tobacco, there is no safe option. E-cigarettes, hookahs, edibles, heat-not-burn cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (snuff and chew) contain some of the same chemicals as regular combustible cigarettes and can cause or worsen numerous diseases and conditions. Staying tobacco free is the best way to protect your health.

Discuss the effects of smoking tobacco with your primary care provider or specialist. You can also register for the free Summa Health Smoking Cessation Program, a six-week course to learn about nicotine dependence and gain knowledge on different quitting methods.

 

Smoking Cessation Program

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