Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan celebrated his 59th birthday on November 2. At a fan meet-and-greet event in Bandra, the actor, who once disclosed smoking up to 100 cigarettes a day, shared that he has now quit the habit. In a video from the event, SRK is heard saying, "The good news is that I’m not smoking anymore, guys." He added humorously, “Mujhe laga tha ki I will not feel so breathless, but abhi bhi feel kar raha hu (I thought I wouldn’t feel breathless after quitting smoking, but I still do).”
Inspired by his example, we hope that many fans and admirers will be motivated to make similar positive lifestyle changes, which can lead to significant health benefits.
Also Read: Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Exploring the Rising Incidence and Possible Causes
How Smoking Impacts Health
Even the cigarette pack itself warns, "Smoking is injurious to health"—yet many continue to smoke regardless.
Studies have continuously highlighted the adverse effects of smoking, which include an increased risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) like heart attack and stroke.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is a major cause of CVD, attributing to one in every four CVD deaths. This is because smoking can elevate triglycerides, lower "good" cholesterol, thicken blood, damage blood vessel cells, and accelerate plaque buildup, leading to narrowed and hardened arteries. This in turn increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
Health Benefits Of Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking has several health benefits. Regardless of your age or how long you have been smoking, if you quit smoking, over time, you will experience a noticeable improvement in your health. Some of the health benefits you can reap by quitting smoking include:
- Improved health status and better quality of life.
- Reduced risk of premature death; the CDC suggests quitting smoking can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy.
- Reduced risk for many adverse health effects, including CVD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cancer, and poor reproductive health outcomes.
- Health benefits for pregnant women and their foetuses and babies.
Also Read: Smoking May Be Linked To Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Here's What Parents Need To Know
Positive Changes Of Quitting Smoking Over Time
According to the CDC, quitting smoking brings about various positive changes in life that not only begin almost immediately but also continue to build over time.
Within minutes of quitting, your heart rate starts to drop, and within 24 hours, nicotine levels in the blood begin to reduce. In the following days, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease to those of a non-smoker, which helps your body receive more oxygen. After one to twelve months, respiratory improvements occur as coughing and shortness of breath begin to decrease, making daily activities easier.
The benefits extend further as the years go by. Within 1-2 years, your risk of a heart attack drops significantly, and by 5-10 years, your risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, and voice box is cut in half, along with a reduced risk of stroke. A decade after quitting, your added risk of lung cancer drops by half, and the likelihood of developing cancers of the bladder, oesophagus, and kidney also decreases. By the 15- to 20-year mark, your risk of coronary heart disease and certain cancers aligns closely with that of someone who has never smoked.
Bottomline
King Khan’s decision to quit smoking is truly inspiring, sparking hope that his fans and admirers who smoke might be encouraged to make the same positive change. If not for anyone else, it is crucial to do it for your own health and longevity. Quitting smoking comes with several health benefits and, over the years, can improve your health status to a great extent. So, why not start today and get the help and support you need.
Image credit: Instagram/Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk)