The dangers of nicotine are widely known. In addition to lung cancer, nicotine also leads to heart disease, high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Nicotine can also lead to other health risks, such as diabetes and obesity.

The health benefits of quitting nicotine are significant, no matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking tobacco. What’s more, the benefits of quitting can be experienced almost immediately after your last tobacco cigarette, and continue throughout your life.

In case you’re looking for a reason to quit, here are a few examples:

•Longer Life-Expectancy
Studies suggest that nicotine can reduce an individual’s lifespan by as much as fifteen years. Ex-traditional smokers live longer than those who don’t quit, no matter when they decided to stop. It’s never too late to increase your life-expectancy by quitting.

•Harmful Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as firsthand, especially to children, the elderly and those with breathing disorders, such as asthma. Smokers aren’t the only ones who benefit from giving up nicotine: everyone in their lives will reap the rewards, as well.

•Cost
Traditional cigarette prices and taxes have climbed to staggering heights in recent years, and will probably only increase over time. Kicking the habit can help you save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars each year!

•Setting an Example
Many people who use tobacco learned the habit from a parent or family member. Because of this, many smokers decide to quit because of the bad example they’re setting for their children, grandchildren and other loved ones.

•Improved Physical Appearance
Lighting up can lead to many physical imperfections. These can include stained teeth, skin and fingernails, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Nicotine also causes bad breath and makes your clothes, car, house and other belongings smell badly.

•Social Acceptance
Not long ago, nicotine was considered cool and even chic. Nowadays, nicotine is frowned upon and prohibited in most establishments, including restaurants, bars and hotels.

•Risk During Pregnancy
Many women quit when they become pregnant due to the enormous risks posed to their infants, such as premature birth and low birth weight. Breastfeeding moms should also abstain, as nicotine can be transmitted though breast milk.

There are many methods available to help you kick the habit, such as electronic cigarettes. No matter the method you choose, quitting now can improve your health, body function, physical appearance and self-esteem. And although quitting can be difficult, the rewards are well worth the effort. To be able to say, "I quit smoking nicotine!" can be one of the greatest accomplishments of a lifetime, and will allow you to serve as hope and inspiration for others.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).