Still Smoking? Coronavirus Is One More Reason to Quit

Smokers already know the countless reasons they should quit the habit: cancer, emphysema, heart disease, yellow teeth, stinky clothes and on and on.

Now, as the world struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic, they have even more reason to stop destroying their lungs.

Research shows the coronavirus is harder on people whose respiratory systems have been damaged by cigarettes, marijuana and vaping.

“Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the US National Institute of Health.

Coronavirus also hits harder against people over 60, so “older” smokers could be at even higher risk.

Even before Covid-19, smoking led to about 20 percent of the deaths in the US each year; made millions more sick; damaged lungs, hearts, eyes, bones, and caused many cancers and respiratory problems.

No matter how old you are, you gain many health benefits by quitting, says the National Institute on Aging:

• Heart rate, blood pressure lower to appropriate levels
• Taste and smell improve
• Lungs, heart and circulatory system work better
• Chances lower you’ll have heart attack, stroke, cancer

Plus, you’ll save a ton of money.

Remember that exercise and other healthy habits can help you quit. Talk to your doctor about how to improve your chances, like nicotine gum.

For more information about quitting, go to www.60plus.smokefree.gov, www.cancer.gov, or other credible medical sources.