Tobacco is a dirty weed. I like it.
It satisfies no normal need. I like it.
It makes you thin, it makes you lean,
It takes the hair right off your bean
It’s the worst darn stuff I’ve ever seen.
I like it.
~Graham Lee Hemminger, Tobacco
A popular anti amoking campaign video
Why do you think smoking is bad for health? Because it says so on the cigarette cover? Lets do some analysis…..
Smoke consists of partially burnt organic matter. Any partially burnt organic matter(even burnt food) is carcinogenic(cancer-causing). It contains several substances that bind to our DNA and cause mutations. It can change who we are….literally. There are 19 known carcinogens in cigarette smoke. All the more reasons why people should stop smoking. In addition to chemical carcinogens, there are various radioactive carcinogens which are evn more dangerous.
Every 6 seconds, someone dies of a tobacco related disease.
Tobacco is the most preventable cause of death in the world today.
So why smoke?
All those who smoke understand the risk that they take. So why do they do it? The reasons can be various and varying depending on the individual. But some of the major reasons are….
- Tobacco contains nicotine-a stimulant, which releases adrenaline and raises blood pressure. This is why some say they that smoking makes them “feel alive”. Very ironic considering that nicotine in high doses can cause impotency, heart diseases etc etc..
- There are various psychlogical reasons.
This is only the physical reason.
a) Stress relief-Smokers feel relieved because of nicotine. There is a lot of stress going around due to the recession and hence, a lot of smokers.
b) Peer pressure-Some teenagers start smoking just to fit in, and then they grow addicited to it.
c) Advertisements-A range of advertisements featuring popular media icons. All fans love to imitate their idols, regardless of their own better judgement.
Why stop smoking?
1. Reduced risk of heart diseases.
2. Reduced risk of cancer.
3. Reduced chance of impotency.
4. No bad breath.
5. Reduced chances of thyroid diseases.
6. Greater lung capacity and hence, greater stamina.
7. Better savings-For a regular smoker, this can mean a lot.
How to stop smoking?
1. Think about what you are doing, and think hard. Its not easy for someone who is addicted to stop. Think about the health risks- the physical and psychological effects.
2. Try a different, non-lethal type of addiction like chewing gum.
3. You might need help. Consult a specialist, attend councelling.
4. Surf the web, there are a lot of websites which can help, like this one. StopSmoking.net
A word to the non-smokers.
Non-smokers beware. If you associate yourself with smokers then you too are one- Secondary smokers. Dont let the prefix fool you! secondary smokers are even more at risk than the “real” smokers. This is because secondary smokers take in the smoke “raw” and “fresh” while the real smokers take it in through a filter which filters out some of the harmful substances. So smokers cause harm no to them alone, but also to those near them.
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