ISLAMABAD: It is easier for a smoker or tobacco user to quit addiction while fasting during the holy month of Ramzan than in routine months because fasting has a great impact on body and soul.

Medical Specialist Dr Mustafa Yousaf while talking to private channel said with bundle of blessings the holy month of Ramzan offers include getting rid of bad habits.

He said the habit of smoking can also be avoided through observing fasts and as such this month gives a great opportunity those people who wanted to quit smoking for good.

Fasting is considered as a strong tool to maintain good health. It is also an effective cure for various psychological and medical disorders, he suggested.

Mustafa Yousaf said ,"Ramazan provides an ideal opportunity for smokers to quit.Activities during Ramzan such as family visits and prayers can help keep an individual occupied and assist him or her in quitting smoking".

"Quitting smoking has various health benefits, especially for diabetics. It can result in improved blood sugar levels and blood circulation, increased insulin reception, decreased cholesterol levels, and decreased complications," Mustafa Yousaf said.

Exercising, drinking plenty of water after Iftar and keeping away from other smokers are some steps that people can take to decrease the urge to smoke, he said.

Avoiding places such as shisha cafes and other areas frequented by smokers will also help prevent inhalation of secondhand smoke, which is responsible for thousands of heart disease-related deaths every year, he informed.

He said a strong willpower is needed to quit smoking, which the fasting readily offers during this holy month.

Smokers experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, restlessness, impatience and difficulty concentrating but the fasting helps them to maintain patience.

He said the fasting is a spiritual help to spend smoke free days during Ramazan and ditch many other bad habits altogether.

He said chronic smoking leads to several dangerous diseases like cancer, mouth cancer, lungs cancer, nose & throat problems, TB and asthma, so fasting can help people to quit smoking and save them from the diseases.

He feared that people having weak willpower may resume smoking again after some time due the pressure of peers.