Cool or Uncool

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 itís 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 oneís 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.