The unprecedented lockdown has had an effect on us both physically and mentally by taking away many of our freedoms, which we previously took for granted.
There is an added stress for people who are unable to get their cigarettes due to the strict rules put in place by the government. This is of course due to the addictive nature of nicotine.
Nicotine addiction creates such a dependency on cigarettes and other tobacco that the restriction and ban on the sales of such has caused many to feel and go through withdrawal symptoms, as well as increase in headaches, anger and frustration.
As May is Anti-Tobacco month, it is therefore the opportune time to reflect on this and to finally “kick” the habit. Instead of running back to our vices, we can use this as a motivation to keep clean, and to stop smoking all together.
As you are probably aware, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe forms. The more severe forms are commonly seen in those who have chronic diseases, more so in chronic lung diseases. Therefore by continuing to smoke you put yourself at a much higher risk of developing serious complications from the disease and potentially death. The lockdown may have slowed the curve but it certainly won’t eradicate the virus and that is why we need to do everything within our control to make sure our health is the best it can be if and when we become infected. It is easier said than done and that’s why it is important to know that you are not alone in this issue, and help can be found via your doctor. There are medications, as well as psychological and hypnotic methods to help relieve the symptoms of withdrawal from tobacco.
So let’s take the opportunity and time that the lockdown has given us, to improve our health so that on the other side we can live a healthier and longer life.
By Dr Laura Troskie, www.umhlangagp.net.