(NC)-We often hear about the effect smoking has on health, but it extends far beyond that, affecting many facets of the day-to-day lives of a smoker - reaching into their social circles and choices in life partner.
According to a recent Leger survey, smokers are more likely to surround themselves socially with other smokers compared to people who do not smoke. In fact, almost three quarters of ex-smokers state that very few, if any, of the people in their circle of friends smoke. Smokers, on the other hand, tend to stick together as only one third of smokers say that few, if any, of their circle are non-smokers.
And it doesn't stop there! When it comes to relationships, smoking can be a major deterrent to non-smokers when playing the dating game, with as many as 60 per cent of non-smokers stating that they have chosen not to date someone because he or she was a smoker.
"Looking back on my life when I was a smoker, I can see that cigarettes truly controlled me. I didn't go anywhere or do anything without my cigarettes, a lighter, and a plan for how I was going to fit smoking into my activities," said Maggie Kirby, a former smoker. "Now that I am smoke-free I realize that smoking impacted everything from my overall health to my daily activities, and even my relationships. By not smoking, I now can enjoy all aspects of my life so much more."
Are you ready to quit? If so, the best place to start is by speaking to your healthcare professional who can help you understand the options that are available to help you quit as well as how to overcome the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It's never too late to quit smoking and start your healthier, non-smoking life!
- News Canada