COVID-19 AND SMOKING CESSATION

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), quitting cigarettes and e-cigarettes can help protect you from COVID-19.

Smoking is considered a risk factor for respiratory illness and respiratory failure is a common cause of death for those diagnosed with COVID-19.

In fact, there are benefits that can help the body fight off infection soon after you quit:

• Once you quit, the small hairs or cilia, in your lungs begin to heal giving you stronger lungs to help you fight COVID-19 if you contract it.
• Your lungs will no longer have the ongoing inflammation caused by smoking and that predispose you to COVID-19.
• Saying goodbye to smoking strengthens your heart due to increased blood circulation. Quitting helps to thin your blood and makes it less likely to form clot-causing heart attacks. A stronger heart helps if you contract COVID-19.
• Need another reason to ditch the e-cigs or cigarettes? Quitting now gives your body time to heal and makes your lungs and body stronger against future waves of COVID-19.

Want to learn more about the benefits of quitting? Visit the CDC’s website here.

Now is the time to take the first step towards a stronger, healthier you. Looking for a helping hand? Talk to a HMC HealthWorks Certified Health Coach for tips, tricks and one-on-one support. Call 888.369.5054