Smoking has a long, negative history in the healthcare field because of the harmful side effects that come with it. The thing is, most people who smoke cigarettes actually want to stop. A 2011 study showed that seven out of ten active smokers wanted to quit. However, this task is not as easy as it sounds. It becomes an engrained habit that is extremely difficult to change without treatment. With TV commercials, other marketing and education, people are more aware than ever about the negative long-term effects of smoking. Pennsylvania has a higher rate than most other states when it comes to cigarette use. Here are a few statistics related to smoking cigarettes:

• In 2014, nearly 17 of every 100 U.S. adults 18 and older (16.8%) actively smoked cigarettes. This means an estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes.
• Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., accounting for more than 480,000 deaths every year, or one out of every five deaths.
• More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.
• Current smoking has declined from nearly 21 of every 100 adults (20.9%) in 2005 to nearly 17 of every 100 adults (16.8%) in 2014.
• Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
• Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined:
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Illegal drug use
  • Alcohol use
  • Motor vehicle injuries
  • Firearm-related injuries
• More than ten times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all of the wars fought by the U.S. during its history.
• Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths in men and women. More women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.
• About 80% (or 8 out of 10) of all deaths from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are caused by smoking.
• Cigarette smoking increases the risk for death from all causes in men and women.

There are plenty of places to turn to for help with quitting. At Chambers’ Apothecary, we want to help provide these resources and tools to our patients. If you have any questions about smoking cessation or health-related concerns, please feel free to talk to our pharmacists. Lifestyle modifications are not easy and you will need a support team to help you stick to your goals. Making the decision to quit is the first step and we can help show you the next steps to take in stopping for good.