Smoking Facts and Myths

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 the drug that is nicotine barely after they've reached adolescence. While there's more brouhaha about smoking and its evils than ever before, smoker's brave on - smoking ban in public? Find a smoker's zone. 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 when smoking starts is 13 years.
• Smoking is the primary cause of preventable disease and premature death worldwide.
• Cigarette smoke contains an estimated 4800 chemicals; 69 of these 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 smoking related death.
• Every day, 3000 adolescents start smoking.

Even though a large number of smokers are aware of the risks of smoking, this is a habit that is particularly tough to give up, and the difficulties associated with quitting smoking 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.
• Smoking is an addiction that does not help you lose weight, and it can actually contribute to the formation of cellulite.
• Smoking 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'.
• Smoking reduces immunity, promotes premature wrinkles and aging and stains the fingers and teeth.

Myths

• Smoking 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.
• Smoking only affects the smoker - secondhand 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 smoking - studies have proved that healthy eating and other healthy habits do not reduce the risks associated with smoking.

Apart from the extensive data that supports the benefits of smoking cessation 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 by smoking is very much, the need of the hour.