“Quit Smoking, it causes Cancer” “Quit Smoking, it causes Heart attacks” “Quit Smoking, Say yes to life” scream the public service ads and posters. “When will they realize that most smokers are well aware of these facts” you think. And you are right; ‘Smoking is injurious to health’ is written right on top of all cigarette packs but it has never stopped any smoker that I know from smoking.
This article is in support of all the smokers who are bombarded by the media and their loved ones to quit smoking. We in fact give reasons why you mustn’t quit smoking. Read on, it will give you convincing arguments to fight the self appointed moralists.
Smoking gives you a Chronic Cough
Research says- Smoking harms the tiny hair inside the lungs – the hair that throw out the dirt and germs away from the lungs – the very dirt and germs that make you more prone to coughs, colds and infections. Not only that but smoking also causes you to gain less oxygen for your body making you feel short of breath and tired. Smoke from the cigarettes also affects the cell membranes increasing your chances of getting Cancer which explains why 90% of those with lung cancer are smokers!
You say- “I am not a runner anyway.” “Who wants a pair of healthy lungs?”
We say- Just imagine the number of days you can be away from work due to sick leaves. You are also the lucky one who is left out in a game of cricket among your colleagues. What a relief from all that running!
Smoking kills your appetite
Research says- Mice who were exposed to smoking only for a day showed 30% less appetite and 10% weight loss, their internal organs like liver were also affected. Smoking affects the negative energy balance making our body use more energy and burn more fat. Losing weight this way is not healthy; it makes you susceptible to diseases and leaves you with less energy.
You say- “Hey, at least I will always be thin.”
We say- You are just skin and bones, no one will expect you to lift your bags or open doors. Everyone will help you when they see you struggle.
Smoking gives you Bad breath
Research says- Cigarette leaves a stench of tobacco in your mouth. Also smoking cigarettes makes your mouth go dry which encourages the growth of bacteria. The tar and tobacco particles that stick to your teeth and the inside your mouth also encourage the growth of bacteria, that break down the food particles in your mouth, leaving you with a bad breath.
You say- “At least people stay away from me because of it”
We say- So what if your daughter doesn’t allow you to kiss her, so what if your wife won’t allow you near her without brushing your teeth, everybody recognizes that you are in the room due to smell of cigarette smoke. You really have a presence, congrats!
Smoking leads to Heart attacks and Stroke
Research says- Smoking increases your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Smoking increases the blood pressure, causes the blood to clot, decreases exercise tolerance or the amount of activities you can perform. Blood clots prevent your vital organs from getting the required blood supply causing heart attack and stroke.
You say- “At least I know how I will die”
We say- You are right!
Smoking causes premature wrinkles, lines
Research says- Smoking affects the collagen production which results in less elastic skin, it also deprives the skin of the oxygen rich blood and thus the skin loses it’s youthful appearance and appears dry and old. Smoking also leads to thinner skin making blood vessels visible.
You say- “The mature look suits me”
We say- With a chronic cough, vision loss and wrinkle and lines, you look 10 years older anyways, some lines would not make a difference.
Smoking affects your Sex drive – whether you are male or female
Research says- Smoking has a negative impact on your sex drive as well as ability to perform sex - in both males and females. In men, smoking affects the blood vessels and prevents an erection, medically known as erectile dysfunction and reduces your sex drive by messing up with your hormonal levels. The lethargy you feel after smoking also reduces your ability to perform. In women, smoking leads to irregular menstrual cycles, low sex drive and increases the risk of giving birth to premature and low weight babies.
You say- “Sex doesn’t interest me anyways.”
We say- Bad breath, yellow teeth, wrinkled skin, low weight don’t make you attractive to the opposite sex plus the lethargy that smoking brings along with it reduces your sex drive anyways. So, aint it good sex doesn’t interest you!
Your smoking affects your loved ones
Research says- The smoke that comes out of your cigarette, your nostrils and mouth is inhaled by all those who are near you, this smoke contains 50 carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer. “About 22,700 to 69,600 premature deaths from heart and blood vessel disease are caused by other people's smoke each year” says American Heart Association.
Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, respiratory tract infections and heart disease in individuals who are constantly inhaling second hand smoke.
You say- “Clever me! That’s why I’d rather be a first hand smoker. And my beloved ones, well, they could be my guests and become first hand smokers too”
We say- You are right, why should care if your actions harm others? So, smoke while in presence of your pregnant wife, your children, in fact ensure you smoke when you are amongst non-smokers. And for your small kids, never wash your hands and rinse your mouth when you are near your kids so that they grow to appreciate how first hand smoke is better than second hand smoke!
Your kids can have cancer because of your Smoking
Research says- A study by International Journal of Cancer on children of parents with lung cancer found that passive smoking in childhood may increase the risk of nasal cancer, of bladder and kidney cancer was also greater in their offsprings due to exposure to tobacco carcinogens either in the womb or through breast feeding.
Another study by Yale University showed that 1/5th of non smokers who had Lung cancer were exposed to second hand smoke in their childhood. A separate study showed the link between fathers who smoked and children with brain tumor.
If this is where your cleverness stops and if You say- “I am stopping right now”
We say- You must quit smoking now if you care about your child’s future. With so many carcinogens nearby (there are about 400 carcinogens in a cigarette), no wonder that children with parents who smoke are likely to suffer from cancer.
If you love your children (we are sure you do!) You will give up all excuses and give up smoking too right away. In case you find it difficult to do quit, contact a smoking de-addiction centre or consult your doctor who may recommend some methods such as a nicotine replacement therapy, no smoking drugs, chewing gums which can prove effective.
So let’s see what smoking does, it gives you shortness of breath, bad cough, increases risk of infection, of heart attack and stroke, it gives you a bad breath, reduces your fertility and ability to have sex, increases the chances of cancer in you and those around you and may even cause cancer in your unborn child! Smoking really does some big damage.
But you know what? Smoking is still good, if you love Death, Isolation and Cancer!
