You will be astounded to know certain smoking facts and myths that have been discovered. The article below will separate fact from fiction, and give you the real deal.
Isn’t it ironic how suppression brings about rebellion? The more you tell someone how bad something is for them, the more they’re likely to try it. I don’t get the fascination with smoking, and I don’t understand the thought process that goes into starting something that you know is likely to harm you – but I do understand the curiosity. And I do know how important it can be to fit in, and the confusion that accompanies the adolescent years. Little wonder that most kids light up in their teens, and are hooked on to nicotine, barely after they’ve reached adolescence.
While there’s more brouhaha about smoking and its evils than ever before, smokers have found a way around every rule. If you put up a smoker’s ban, they find a smoker’s zone. If you hike the price with taxation, they’re ready to shell out the extra cash. There’s serious need for some education, but I truly believe that imposing restrictions and bans really isn’t the answer. There’s nothing as enticing as the forbidden. Perhaps focusing on how cool it is to not smoke will help.
Statistical Data
Although statistics show a drop in the number of smokers since its all-time high in the 60’s, the numbers still show an alarming trend, and even more worrisome is the starting age. Many tobacco companies aim their marketing strategies and promotional activities to encourage teenagers to light up early. What advertising starts, peer pressure completes.
- The average age to smoke a cigarette starts at 13.
- This act is the primary cause of preventable disease and premature death worldwide.
- Cigarette smoke contains an estimated 4800 chemicals; 69 of which are proven carcinogens.
- In the United States alone, more than 3 million smokers are adolescents.
- According to the US Surgeon General, “Teenagers who smoke, are three times more likely to use alcohol, eight times more likely to use marijuana, and twenty two times more likely to use cocaine.”
- An approximated 420 billion cigarettes are smoked in a year by 46 million American smokers
- Every eight seconds by the clock, someone, somewhere dies a death related to this activity.
- Every day, 3000 adolescents start to smoke cigarettes.
Even though a large number of smokers are aware of the risks, this is a habit that is particularly tough to give up, and the difficulties associated with quitting are a dissuading factor in themselves. However, it’s important to understand that it is a process, not an event, and it’s never too late to kick the habit. The following are some facts and myths to help you understand the benefits of stubbing out your cigarette.
Facts
- Smoking causes a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, bronchitis, chronic asthma, and gangrene.
- It is an addiction that does not help you lose weight, and it can actually contribute to the formation of cellulite.
- It can cause destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to a decrease in the oxygen supply and an increase in blood pressure.
- It reduces stamina, causes shortness of breath, and can contribute to a chronic ‘smoker’s cough’.
- It reduces immunity, promotes premature wrinkles and aging, and stains the fingers and teeth.
Myths
- It helps you de-stress – Cigarettes contain, among other things, nicotine, a stimulant, which actually speeds up heart rate.
- Light cigarettes are a lower risk – Studies indicate that smokers who switch to lights inhale smoke deeper, effectively nullifying the ‘benefits’ of lights.
- Cutting back is good enough – Every single cigarette is a source of bodily damage, so quitting completely is the only way to go.
- It only affects the smoker – second-hand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, and can further aggravate asthma and bronchitis.
- Leading an otherwise healthy life makes it okay to go on with this habit – studies have proved that healthy eating and other healthy habits do not reduce the risks associated.
Apart from the extensive data that supports the benefits of quitting this addiction or better yet, not starting at all, there are many instances of people who have kicked the habit and overcome the addiction with perseverance and support – even if you’ve tried quitting and failed, that doesn’t mean you should give up. Learning about the habit could help put some basic doubts to rest, and educating the masses about the risks caused is very much the need of the hour.
Disclaimer: This WellnessKeen article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
