How Quitting Cigarettes Can Change Your Life

Smoking cigarettes is associated with a litany of serious diseases, such as respiratory problems, heart disease and cancer. Luckily, certain types of nicotine replacement therapy, such as (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ, a nicotine gum, can help you on your journey to quitting cigarettes.

Smoking in The Philippines

In the Philippines, smoking has been recognized as a social problem as far back as 10 years ago. Over 17 million (28%) Filipino adults are smokers; of this figure, 23% smoke daily. One study² found that the Philippines had among the highest per capita levels of cigarette consumption in the ASEAN region. Additionally, nearly 30 million Filipinos allow smoking in their homes, while 36.9% of adult workers reported being exposed to smoke at work². 

Efforts to curb smoking in the Philippines

As far back as 10 years ago, the Philippine government launched several smoking cessation programs, and in 2022, these included the Philippine Tobacco Helpline; the Philippine Quitline Program, a 24-hour phone-based counseling services recommended by the World Health Organization; and Lung Center of the Philippines’ anti-air pollution program, among others.³ Other efforts include the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, established to handle this disease; and the COPD Support Group Program.³

Despite these endeavors, smoking remains a serious concern in the country. This makes it important to consider other methods supporting smoking cessation.

End Smoking, Say No to Vaping

Health Risks of Smoking

Cigarettes contain toxic chemicals, some of which are used to manufacture rubber, preserve wood, and make batteries, alloys, metals, paint, dyes, and other chemicals. It also contains a radioactive element (polonium-210) that research has shown to cause cancer in animals.⁴ 

Carbon monoxide, a gas you inhale when you smoke, travels through your bloodstream and reduces how much oxygen your red blood cells carry. This gas also increases cholesterol deposition in your arteries, eventually hardening them and increasing chances of heart problems.⁴

Nicotine, the addictive component of cigarettes, contributes to a spike in blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow to the heart and narrowing of arteries. In addition, the symptoms that come with nicotine withdrawal can make it very hard to quit.⁴

Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. It puts you at a higher risk for tuberculosis, eye disease and a host of immune problems. Secondhand smoke is no better. In fact, it is even worse. Nonsmoker adults who are exposed to it can develop lung cancer, stroke and coronary heart disease.⁵ 

Meanwhile, children who inhale secondhand smoke are at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory problems and slowed lung growth, among others.⁵ 

Quitting is Life-Changing

Because of all the dangers associated with smoking, quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family and friends. 

Quitting smoking lowers the risk of health issues and early death, as well as increases longevity, regardless of how long you have been smoking previously.⁶ Not only will you live longer, but you will have stronger resistance against diseases; more money to spend on other interests; more time to spend with your family; and a better lifestyle overall. You will also set a good example for your kids, and protect them and others from secondhand smoke.⁷

Quitting makes your life better by making sure you are there for all the important moments that make life worth it.

(Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ Can Help

One thing that can help is (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ, a nicotine replacement therapy gum that reduces cravings in as fast as 15 minutes. While it is not a ‘cure’ for smoking, it makes quitting efforts easier.⁸ 

Quitting smoking makes you experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, lack of concentration, depressed mood, difficulty sleeping, irritability, restlessness, and increased appetite.⁹ (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ actively fights these symptoms, making permanently quitting easier.

To use it, you must first choose the right dosage for you. (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ comes in 2 mg and 4 mg formulations. If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day, choose the 2 mg dosage. If you smoke more than that, opt for the 4 mg dosage.¹⁰ 

It’s important to remember that (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ is not a regular chewing gum. For it to work, follow a chew-rest-repeat process¹⁰:

• Chew until the taste gets strong
• Once this happens, rest the gum between cheek and jaw
• When taste fades, chew again
• Repeat for about 30 minutes

The time from first quitting smoking to not needing the gum is approximately 12 weeks. During this period, you should slowly cut down your nicotine intake until you can go without it.¹⁰

Your first week of quitting may be the hardest to get through, as you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ helps you through this important period by combating symptoms and urges. If you reach that one week without smoking, you are nine times more likely to quit for good.¹⁰

Where Can You Find (Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ?

(Nicotine Polacrilex) Nicorette^Ⓡ is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. It is available in your nearest drugstores, such as Mercury Drug, Watsons, Southstar Drug and more. It is also available on Shopee and Lazada.