Cigarette smoking has always been the habitual vice that people from all ages and all walks of life take for granted. For one, the small stick of cigarette comprises an estimated 4000 different kinds of chemicals. Depending on the type of cigarette used, their concentration and toxins also vary. According to the ADA website, majority of the cigarettes produced worldwide contain Nicotine as their primary compound (Missouri Department of Mental Health, n. d. ) For this, and other reasons, I believe that people should quit smoking. The effects of cigarette smoking may vary for each individual who gets hold of the habitual vice.
Smoking cigarette makes it users feel a lot better. Although the physiological effects on the body is the exact opposite, smokers still get addicted to smoking. The smoker experiences from faster heart beat and there is irregularity in the oxygen that is circulated in the body (Sutter Health, 2008).
In addition to this, the patient also experiences from other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and a sudden urge to smoke. As time progresses, more and more people are becoming aware of the different effects that smoking may cause to their bodies.
A fact sheet was even released in the internet, stating the different illnesses that may be attributed to cigarette smoking. Some of the most common diseases and illnesses included in the list were asthma, insomnia, arthritis, heart disease, influenza, cancer of the tongue, lip, pharynx, tuberculosis, high blood pressure and emphysema (Falconi, 1971).
According to the website of the American Cancer Society, smoking cigarette is accounted for 30% of cancer mortality rates. The organs of the respiratory system, and the nearby organs are affected with too much smoking.
Lung cancer is the number one cancer affected by such habitual vice, causing unbearable discomfort to the patients (2008).
In addition to this, a report was released in 2002 stating that there was a whopping 37. 5 million people who smoked everyday. Adults were estimated roughly around 45. 8 million, while there was an astounding 8. 3 million individuals who confessed that they smoked occasionally (Center for Disease Control, May 28, 2004).
Imagine yourself in a room filled with smokers. Socially, there is a sense of belongingness amongst the crowd.
Since everyone is up for the challenge, more and more people are trying the habitual vice. Little did these people know that there is a big possibility of being hooked on the said vice. From just one puff, a smoker then finishes a stick of cigarette, then more sticks, until finally he gets addicted to the habitual vice. There is a sudden urge to light up a cigarette stick and inhale the different compounds found in a single stick. In addition to this, the smoker also experiences a certain feeling of relaxation from the inhaled smoke.
Cigarette smoking may give a certain sense of fulfillment to the smoker, but there are the more dangerous effects that are not manifested in the earlier stages of their life. As mentioned earlier, certain diseases may become evident in the lives of smokers. This does not only become dangerous to the lives of the smokers, but also to those who inhale the smoke they emit. According to the MedicineNet website, second hand smoking is more dangerous to the lives of people. Second hand smoking is the inhalation of smoke by an individual or group of people from the smoker.
Anyone may be attacked by this dilemma, although more importance is given to babies and children. This is due to the fact that the said dilemma is associated with the numerous cases of bronchial pneumonia and bronchitis. Pregnant women who smoke or have been second hand smokers may also risk the lives of their babies. The most common disease that the babies may inherit is bronchial asthma, or worse Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Stoppler, n. d. ).
Furthermore, cigarette smoking may also be the primary cause of air pollution. As mentioned earlier, there are and estimated 4000 compounds that comprise a single stick of cigarette.
Imagine how much damage these may cause in the environment. The different inorganic compounds may cause the air to be contaminated, and at the same time be detrimental to the health of the people. Although numerous smokers have been known worldwide, all have the same goal – to quit the habitual vice. This may be due to the fact that they have either witnessed or experienced the harsh punishments that usage may bring them. The physiological effects these may have in their bodies have alarmed them, making them stop the habitual vice. The short term effects of the cigarette smoking may become evident in the first few weeks of the addiction.
For starters, smokers feel the sudden urge to get hold of the habitual vice, for a certain sense of contentment illuminates the smoker. Soon after, the smoker experiences from palpitations. Coughing becomes evident, and shortness of breath accompanies it. The long term effects of smoking are more complicated than how they seem. From the physical, one may bear witness to the change in color experienced both in the lips and in the teeth. The beautiful set of white teeth are transformed into the yellowish colored teeth, containing brown stains. This may serve as turn off for people, especially those who plan to to out on dates.
In addition to this, the foul odor of the cigarette sticks to the fingers of the smoker, also leaving bad breath. Imagine having to deal with these kinds of people – unbearable. From all those mentioned, I believe that it is better for individuals to learn and live a health lifestyle. They may help alleviate the health system of the country, and of the whole world as well. In addition to this, stopping the habitual vice may also contribute to the promotion of the environment. Imagine how much a pack of cigarette can help in the alleviation of society. If you want to live longer, then quit smoking.