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Health experts believe that every year
2.5 million people around the world including 400,000 from America die because of smoking. And probably millions
more suffer from smoke-related illness. According to studies, additional 3,000 deaths occur in America because
of lung cancer due to inhaling second hand smoke.
Smoking is linked to lung cancer which
is the leading cause of cancer death. Studies show that smoking harms almost every organ of the body causing
smokers to have poor health. Common diseases that may occur because of smoking are bronchitis, emphysema, and
heart attacks. Smoking is also responsible for the rapid aging of skin, stained fingers and teeth because of
exposure to nicotine.
But why do people smoke? People smoke
for various reasons. Some smoke because they think it’s cool. Others think that it will make them lose appetite
and therefore lose some weight in the process. Many believe that nicotine intake calms the mind.
Majority of smokers know the adverse
effects of smoking but they just cannot or do not stop. Cigarettes contain nicotine which is a very addictive
substance. Nicotine according to studies when taken in small amounts acts as a stimulant. In effect it may
enhance brain activity which will be helpful in the cognitive process and also enhances one’s memory. Increase
in heart rate and blood pressure are some of its harmful effects. That is probably the reason why smokers
breathe faster compared to non-smokers. Large amounts of nicotine are used as
pesticides.
People who don’t smoke are fitter and
healthier compared to their smoking counterparts because their lungs and other organs are healthier. Also,
non-smokers tend to live longer than those who smoke.
Smokers should try to quit smoking for
it may lessen the possibility of having smoking-related illnesses such as lung cancer and emphysema. Making
someone to quit smoking is always easier said than done for it needs discipline, commitment, and sometimes
medication.
In case of pregnant and breast-feeding
women, smoking harms the child. Therefore, at least for the duration of pregnancy and breast-feeding, women are
advised to quit smoking temporarily.
Smoking also results in blood pressure
and may result in brain stroke.
Scores of “quit-smoking” products are
available in the market. They come in different varieties and forms: patches, pills, and
sprays.
One ought to realize that quitting
smoking and being successful in that task is within. It will depend on the commitment and sincerity of the one
trying to overcome this adversity. There is no magical “quit-smoking” product.
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