Does a Primary Care Doctor Provide Smoking Cessation Services?

Your primary care doctor should be one of your most important resources for your health and wellness. You can visit the family doctor when you are sick or have suffered injuries. The doctor is also available to help with mental health needs. Because smoking is linked to various health problems, your doctor is concerned if you have this habit. If you are struggling with smoking, your family physician can help you stop. You can get help quitting today.

How smoking can affect health

Smoking can be highly addictive and can lead to many health concerns. It is known to cause serious diseases such as lung cancer and oral cancer. It can contribute to high blood pressure and increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke. People who smoke can develop emphysema, bronchitis, and COPD. It can also cause problems with a person’s immune systems and may be a factor in developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Smoking can affect some people even more than others. For instance, women who smoke while they are pregnant are more likely to have a premature delivery. The baby is at risk of having a low birth weight and even having birth defects. People who have other health conditions such as respiratory issues are likely to have further complications.

How quitting smoking can improve a person’s life

Seeing a primary care doctor can help a person enjoy improved health and quality of life. A person who stops smoking will likely have lower blood pressure and a more effective immune system. The individual will be less prone to serious health problems. Stopping the habit of smoking can improve the appearance of the person’s skin, teeth, and fingernails. It can also help the person smell better. There are also financial benefits to getting rid of this habit.

Meeting with the primary care doctor

The first step to quitting is to express the desire to stop. Making the commitment and developing a mindset to ending this habit is crucial. The person should then set up an appointment with the doctor to discuss the next steps. The doctor will ask the patient questions such as how long the patient has been smoking and how many packs a day the person smokes. The doctor will also examine the patient to look for signs of developing health problems.

A gradual approach

Though ending this habit is vital, the primary care doctor is not likely to recommend a cold-turkey approach. Quitting altogether at once is difficult, so doctors prefer a gradual method. Nicotine-replacement medication and products are available. The doctor may also prescribe non-nicotine replacements. These reduce a person’s desire to smoke. The doctor may also guide the patient toward a support group.

Enjoy the well-being you have always wanted: stop smoking

It can be difficult to stop smoking. But your efforts will be well worth it. You can feel well and look good once more without depending on nicotine. You will need support getting over this challenge. Your primary care doctor has the resources to help you find success.

Get more information about Encompass Care in North Las Vegas at https://encompasscarelv.com.

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