It may seems hard to believe, given what we know about smoking, but 40 million adults in the United States alone currently smoke cigarettes. The good news? It really is never too late to reap the benefits of stopping smoking. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that within just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, carbon monoxide levels in the blood begin to drop, reaching normal within 12 hours. By two weeks, the risk of heart attack decreases and within one to nine months, coughing and shortness of breath diminishes.
Smoking-related health conditions account for one in five deaths and are the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. The flip-side of these startling statistics is that quitting smoking can prevent up to one in three cancer deaths, reports the Surgeon General. Cigarette smoke isn’t only deadly to humans, it also accounts for nearly 8 billion kilograms of greenhouse gases each year. And if tobacco crops were converted to food, more than 70 per cent of the world’s malnourished people could be fed.
The motivation to quit is clear but it isn’t easy and despite the best intentions, quitting permanently can be very difficult to achieve without support. That’s where technology can help with quit smoking apps that offer support during cravings and incentives for staying smoke free.
Apps for Stopping Smoking
Android – QuitNow!
Tracks how long since you last smoked, money saved and health improvements (according to the World Health Organization). Offers achievement sharing on social media.
iPhone – Livestrong MyQuit Coach
Personalized quit plan that allows you to gradually wean off cigarettes or go cold turkey. Tracks finances, earn badges and connect with online community for support and health facts.
Windows – KickSmoking
Track smoke-free days, money saved and health benefits. Offers support to combat cravings.
Source: Men’s Fitness
More Help Online
The Oregon Research Institute is conducting a smoking cessation study funded by the the National Cancer Institute. The study will randomly accept smokers for free stop smoking programs designed for desktop computers or smartphones. To learn more or to participate in the study, visit: https://smokingstudy.ehealthstudies.com/?gclid=CK3qrZfphs0CFdgKgQod1vsAmA .
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