I have now set a date for the QSSE-Project (quit smoking, start exercising) to start. The date will be September the 1st. This means that I have 20 days for mental preparation.
I know that most of you out there are non-smokers, and that you will think that this post is not for you. That is not true. I will create a series of posts on the QSSE-Project, both in the stage of mental preparation and afterwards. Anyone with a bad habit they want to get rid of should consider joining me.
Below I have listed some of the health benefits I will get when I quit smoking:
20 min: Blood pressure and pulse return to normal.
8 hrs: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.
- 24 hrs: Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.
48 hrs: There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
72 hrs: Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves.
3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%.
5 years: Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
(Source: http://www.quit-smoking-stop.com)
And here is a list of the benefits of being a smoker:
- NONE.
What about excercise? Well, here are some benefits you will get if you start exercising regularly:
- Increase levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol.
- Lower high blood pressure.
- Help improve body composition by burning fat.
- Promote healthy blood sugar levels.
- Promote bone density.
- Boost the immune system.
- Improve mood and reduce the chance of depression.
(Source: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/exercise.html)
About the benefits.
Well, considering the benefits I will get by giving up the sigarette and start exercising, I would be a fool not to take action. I have been a fool long enough. Why wouldn’t I want a longer life? Why wouldn’t I want to reduce the risk for lung cancer or heart attacks? Why wouldn’t I want to be able to taste and smell better? Why wouldn’t I want my lungs to function at its best?
Why wouldn’t we all want to be as healthy as possible in any way possible?
If you are a smoker, I challenge you to hop on board with me. If you are not exercising, I challenge you to join me, starting September the 1st.
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