Women Face Additional Risks from Smoking
There is a strong awareness today that smoking has negative health effects for everyone. However, smoking affects women differently than it does men, and for women smoking actually creates additional risks and has a greater impact on lung health. Here are some of the health risks of smoking that are particular to women:
- lower fertility
- cancer of the cervix
- osteoporosis
- menstrual and menopausal problems
- a much higher risk of stroke or heart disease
Because women have smaller lungs and airways than men, women are also at an increased risk for smoking-related pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Women also face unique challenges when quitting such as the stresses created by pressure from home, work, and social life, fear of weight gain, and increased sensitivity to environmental triggers to smoking, such as seeing other people smoke. This means that when tackling the challenge of quitting, women must be aware of the particular challenges they may face and work on developing strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This can include exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and eating healthy to reduce stress, minimize cravings, and prevent weight gain, as well as finding new ways to cope with stress such as yoga or meditation, a trip to the spa, or connecting with friends over lunch. Creating an awareness of smoking triggers and finding coping strategies to overcome them is a key to long-term success. Looking to make a strong and confident start to your smoke-free lifestyle? Ask us about our laser therapy for quitting smoking.
Read more about women and smoking at the Canadian Health Network.
