The Hazards of Smoking Cigarettes
9/15/2004
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and heart disease. Smokers die of strokes three times as often as nonsmokers. In pregnant women, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and health problems for the child during infancy. Each year an estimated 430,000 Americans die prematurely from the effects of smoking.
Why Do People Smoke?
Some people smoke for pleasure, while others believe it helps to keep them going. Smokers also use tobacco to reduce feelings of stress or discomfort. Others smoke out of habit, not really enjoying it. Many are physically and psychologically addicted. Their craving for another cigarette begins soon after they put one out. Nicotine is highly addictive and the longer one smokes, the more deadly . . . and the more difficult it is to quit.
How It Starts
Approximately one million teenagers start smoking each year. Peer pressure encourages many to experiment. But, most teens who start using tobacco also have parents who smoke. A common motive is to appear “grown up” . . . to imitate, or to appear to be “cool” around their friends. Some youngsters are influenced by the images they see in advertising. Scenes of cool lakes and streams, and a rugged cowboy beside his campfire make smoking seem masculine and pleasurable. The female market is exploited by persuasive advertisements suggesting, “You’ve come a long way, baby.”
The Benefits of Not Smoking
When you quit smoking, your health risks go down. You soon begin to feel and look better. Cough and sinus congestion disappear as your energy increases. The unpleasant odor that clings to your clothes and hair goes away. Eventually, your chance of contracting cancer or suffering other damage reaches a significantly reduced level. If you have children, they will be less likely to develop the habit. Food will taste better. Your sense of smell will improve and you will save money. Above all, quitting smoking will boost your self-confidence while adding years to your life expectancy.
Quitting Smoking
No single method works for everyone but choosing not to smoke is the first step. Millions of smokers have quit and the number is growing. Some are able to do it easily while many stop several times before finally winning the battle. It is possible to quit on your own but if you need support in your efforts, the Employee Assistance Program can be of help.
