Quit Smoking Monday Messages

If You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a blanket term used to describe both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases can on occasion occur due to external environmental factors, but by and large they are caused by cigarette smoking.

• COPD Information

Deb (Northrunner), a member of the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation was recently diagnosed with COPD. She shares her thoughts about smoking, quitting, and what it's like to live with lung damage with us:

"I haven't been on the forum much lately except for the daily pledge as I've been ill, but I've been reading a few posts that have worried me. We all know that quitting is hard and some people feel that it's easier to just give in and try again later, when they feel stronger. Please don't give up on your quit - you have no idea how important it is!

"I was diagnosed not long ago with COPD - a legacy from 40 years of smoking. Lately, it has progressed and gotten worse. Imagine gasping for breath just from making the bed or a simple trip to the grocery store to pick up a loaf of bread. You feel like you can't breathe and you sleep fitfully, in short bits. I'm not looking for words of sympathy - that's not the point of my message.

"I want all of you to realize that you are at risk for COPD unless you say, once and for all, "I will never smoke again!" The less time you've smoked, the better your chances are of never contracting this disease. There is no cure for COPD - all you can do is treat it with inhalers, etc. to manage the symptoms. It has caused me such depression recently, as I wonder if I will ever again enjoy doing the things I used to do. It really scares me so.

"Please, please throw those cigarettes away, once and for all, and don't let the demon tell you that it's okay to try again later. Later just might be too late. You can control what happens to you!"

There are over 4000 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, along with another 40 that have been identified as carcinogens. Cigarette smoke is hard on every organ in the human body, including our lungs.

• Emphysema: A Personal Account

Don't devote another day of your precious life to tobacco. Cigarettes offer nothing but disease, and ultimately, death.

Quit smoking now.

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Take The Quit Smoking Monday Pledge

Healthy Monday encourages us to think of every Monday as a day that we can begin work anew on goals that we have for ourselves. If you're still smoking, put your cigarettes down and get started on your quit program today.

• Quit Smoking Monday Messages Archive

We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

You can quit smoking ... and we’re here to help you, one simple Monday at a time.

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