I asked myself a question this week as I worked my bike hard on the seaside trail in Kapa’a. Every time I passed a spectator huffing and puffing clouds of smoke on my way, it made me wonder why I hadn’t written about this most important topic yet. The no. The first choice you can make to improve your level of health and fitness, immediately and forever, is to never smoke… anything!
A breath of fresh air: Smoking and vaping are not cool; they are mortal. These habits are linked to life-threatening health problems, turning any illusion of freshness into a distant memory. Imagine a life in which you don’t reach for that cigarette or that device. Imagine a world where your lungs inhale fresh, clean air, allowing your body to thrive without the constant onslaught of toxic chemicals. After all, a little bad thing is not a good thing.
Reaping the dark reality: Smoking and vaping exposes you to toxic chemical cocktails, including formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, and more. These substances are your constant companions, increasing the risk of diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. Smoking marijuana, often considered a safer alternative, is not without health risks. Inhaling burned plant matter, even for medicinal purposes, releases harmful compounds into your lungs, including tar and carcinogens.
Nicotine nightmare: Found in both smoking and vaping, nicotine is intensely addictive, manipulating your brain’s reward system, making it difficult to quit. This addictive substance increases the heart rate, constricts blood vessels and releases adrenaline, leading to an increase in blood pressure. The result? Increased stress on your heart and elevated risk of heart disease. So while this may seem like a temporary relief from stress, it is anything but.
Circulo-respiratory stress: Smoking and vaping can put you in the front row, paving the way for lung cancer and heart disease. Inhaling hot debris and chemicals, whether from tobacco or marijuana, wreaks havoc on your respiratory and cardiovascular systems, potentially leading to lung irritation, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). .
Silent but deadly: Even a small amount of second-hand smoke is dangerous, especially for children and non-smokers. Additionally, second-hand smoke traps pollutants in furniture and clothing long after the smoke has “purged” the room. Notably, the American College of Sports Medicine classifies athletes as smokers even if they are “only” exposed to second-hand smoke or if they have stopped smoking in the previous six months. What you don’t see can hurt you.
Young lungs: Smoking and vaping are a dangerous example for young people. By quitting, you are saving them from the horrors of addiction and the deadly consequences of these habits. Teenagers are impressionable and they will follow your lead for a healthier, happier, smoke-free life. Over the course of our lives, our lungs are exposed to hundreds of millions of liters of non-sterile air while maintaining their function and integrity. Don’t waste it; don’t inhale!
The Battle of Blood: Carbon monoxide, present in smoke, binds to the hemoglobin in your blood with an affinity 240 times stronger than that of oxygen. This deprives every tissue in your body of oxygen, impairing performance and stifling life. Smoking before, after and certainly during strenuous exercise is a heart attack waiting to happen. Keep your machine clean!
Precious and priceless: We each have two eyes and, although they are invaluable, we can live without them if necessary. However, both of our lungs are irreplaceable and invaluable. These vital organs contain half a billion delicate alveolar air sacs responsible for the exchange of gases between the air and our blood. Would you trade half a billion dollars for one last breath? Don’t bet your life on it. Instead, get outside and breathe in the nurturing nature of Garden Island.
Hope for health and healing: If you inhale something, it’s time to face the facts. The scary reality is that even smoking once a month is enough to qualify you as a smoker. The true power of a smoke-free life lies in the ability to live fully, breathe deeply, and savor every moment of vibrant health while savoring the fresh Kauaian air and the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest. Quitting smoking today offers immediate improvements in circulation, oxygen saturation and heart health. In the short and long term, it also significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and various cancers.
Your body is fearfully and wonderfully made…and it is miraculously resilient. Be good with it!
Our next “Walk & Talk” will take place on November 5 at 5 p.m. For location and details, please check online.
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Doug Jones earned his master’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Maryland and served professionals and celebrities as a concierge fitness trainer for decades. To submit questions or for more information, call (808) 652-6453 or visit www.DougJonesFitness.com
