www.womanthismonth.com December 2016 55 But that’s not to say a heavy smoker is at the point of no return. A heavy dose of willpower, motivation and willingness to go through the dreaded withdrawal symptoms can help you kick the habit. “To quit smoking the most vital factor is the will to give up. The best way is to go ‘cold turkey’, which means that you give it up in one go and don’t try the process of a slow reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day,” says Dr Babu. He continues: “Yes, there are effects which manifest as irritability, sleep disturbances, lack of concentration and changes in appetite. These may last for four to six weeks, but the long-term benefits of stopping smoking far outweigh the temporary unease. “However, if that is not possible there are other aids such as the nicotine patch, nicotine gums and some medicines as well. Just like other medical conditions, smoking is best addressed as a condition to be treated. Consult a physician who can guide you. The support of family and friends will help you quit the habit,” says the doctor. For those who hit the shisha bars at the end of the day, you’re in the running for ugly health hazards too. Shisha smoke may be more aromatic than that of cigarettes, but has the same toxic tobacco. It’s believed that with one puff of shisha you inhale the same amount of smoke as you’d get from smoking a whole cigarette. On e-cigarettes, Dr Babu comments that their use is still controversial and he doesn’t advocate the use of them. A widely-believed worry for those trying to quit smoking is the prospect of weight gain. Dr Babu explains: “This can be attributed to increased food intake, solely because food begins to taste better!” Another side effect of smoking is that it affects the taste buds as well as yellowing teeth and nails. In light of all the issues smoking can cause in the body and the healthy years potentially lost due to this habit, Dr Babu puts it simply: “If you are a smoker, stop today. If you are not one, don't start!” Just like other medical conditions, smoking is best addressed as a condition to be treated. Consult a physician who can guide you. The support of family and friends will help you quit the habit. Dr Babu Ramachandran
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