The Well Known Dangers of Smoking

Firstly, we are all basically knowledgeable on the effects of smoking and how devastating this habit is to us, financially and health wise. Cigarettes burn holes in our lungs and right through our pockets (literally!). 

Fact: Smoking is a disgusting habit.

Check out this link on facts and data on current smoking issues worldwide: http://www.smokingstatistics.org/  

Looks pretty harmless eh?

Lets take a step back and go through once again, all the dangers of smoking cigarettes.

1. Smoking causes cancer.

Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens, which in other words are generally cancer causing agents. The carcinogenic pyrolytic products in the smoke bind to the DNA and cause genetic mutations which later on turn into cancer cells. Among the types of cancer most commonly associated with cigarette smoking are cancers of the lung, kidney, larynx, head and neck, breast, bladder, oral cavity, esophagus, pancreas and stomach. Need we say more?

A cancer ridden smoker's lung

Throat cancer 

2. Smoking increases the risk factor for heart attacks.

Tar buildup causes the narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis) which increases the likelihood of a blockage to the heart and brain (stroke). Increased cholesterol levels, weakening of blood vessel walls and an increased blood pressure are also contributing side effects of cigarette addiction that might lead to a heart attack. 

Photo taken from www.gfxindia.com

3. Smoking causes impotence.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) due to arterial narrowing is one of the major dangers of smoking for men. Women however experience lower estrogen levels, which in turn effects ovulation, folliculogenesis  (maturation of the ovarian follicle), embryo transport, endometrial receptivity, endometrial angiogenesis, uterine blood flow and uterine myometrium. Check out this link for further details: http://www.reproduction-online.org/

Stop smoking. Keep the missus happy.
Picture taken from http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/smoking-impotence/ 

4. Smoking causes higher mortality rates.

Now this is simple. Smoking causes a proven higher death rate in any country. Check out this article from The Star Online 1 June 2011, http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2011/6/1/health/8773930&sec=health

5. Smoking causes cognitive dysfunction.
Among other side effects of smoking are dementia, loss of cognitive function, reduced memory function and brain shrinkage (cerebral atrophy) in adolescents. The smoke basically KILLS your brain cells. 

The brain is a marvelous thing. Respect it. Give up smoking NOW!!

We know there are many more diseases and side effects that may be worsened by smoking cigarettes. But what use is knowing alone without an effort to quit?? We should stop living for ourselves. Our loved ones need us. They need us to be alive and well. 

Quitting is a smart move. Do it now.