The Real Facts about Smoking

During the 1950’s cigarette smoking was considered to be “cool”, but unfortunately facts about
smoking had not been tallied up as yet. As the years progressed, smoking cigarettes, cigars, and
chewing tobacco became very popular. Adults and kids alike were inhaling cigarette smoke on a
regular basis. Many health issues related to smoking were found by the Surgeon General of the
United States. Research had found that smoking could lead to lung cancer and other related lung
problems.

Smoking had been found to be an addiction similar to other high use drugs among teens and
young adults. The addiction to smoking generally starts in the teenage years from 13-15 years of
age. At this early age boys and girls alike have been found to be inhaling over 4800 chemicals
found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Nicotine is one of these chemicals. The use of nicotine
in cigarettes provides the chemical makeup that causes the addiction, which in most cases makes
it almost impossible to quit smoking.

Cigarette smoke has had many effects on women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills.
In the early stages of pregnancy smoke can reduce or slow down a baby’s growth. This happens
with the loss of oxygen to the brain during development. Women that smoke during pregnancy
have a higher chance of premature labor, stillbirths, and miscarriages. Women that smoke and
take birth control pills or other contraceptives may find that they are more prone to blood clots
and strokes. If you happen to be a smoker and you are also pregnant then you should quit smoking right now without hesitation.

Men and women that smoke have a higher incidence of heart attack, emphysema, bronchitis,
lung cancer, and other related issues than non-smokers. Smoking doesn’t just affect the person
smoking, but everyone around them. Second hand smoke can cause just as many problems as
inhaling the smoke from a cigarette directly.

Over 400,000 lives are lost ever year to the inhalation of smoke from cigarettes. Over 3000
people are affected by second hand smoke every year and die. Many thousands of people have
lung and other health related issues due to second hand cigarette smoke. Some of the effects
include shortness of breath, reduced lung functioning, loss of oxygen to the bloodstream,
coughing, wheezing, and chest compression that feels like someone is sitting on your chest.

Facts about smoking are being compiled daily. The fact remains that smoking can cause cancer
of the lung, pancreas, mouth, and other parts of the body. Smoking will cause many health issues
and eventually death. And of course the only solution for a current smoker is to quit smoking cigarettes altogether.

Why risk your life and the lives of others? Don’t start smoking at any time. Smoking is not
Cool.