Have you seen the change in movies and TV lately, where you see more and more characters smoke? It seems like such a long time ago that Hollywood decided to play down smoking. But it appears in the last few years that they are promoting it once again. You would think that it reflected the population, but no, for in fact smoking is still confined to around 20% of the general adult population.
Here are the statistics published by the American Heart Association:
- "In the United States, an estimated 25.1 million men (23.4 percent) and 20.9 million women (18.5 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show...
- Among non-Hispanic whites, 24.1 percent of men and 20.4 percent of women smoke (2004).
- Among non-Hispanic blacks, 23.9 percent of men and 17.2 percent of women smoke.
- Among Hispanics, 18.9 percent of men and 10.9 percent of women smoke.
- Among Asians (only), 17.8 percent of men and 4.8 percent of women smoke.
- Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, 37.3 percent of men and 28.5 percent of women smoke.
- Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those who had earned a GED diploma (39.6 percent) and among those with 9-11 years of education (34.0 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (8.0 percent). It's highest among persons living below the poverty level (29.1 percent)".
So even though there are smokers in this category, as a general rule those who are well educated, with a degree, are least likely to smoke.
Smokers vs. Non-Smokers
Non smokers who have had to watch someone close to them die of lung cancer become rabid in their opposition to smoking. They already knew it wasn't too smart, but now they become passionate in their hatred of cigarettes. If you have ever seen someone quit overnight after given the diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, you know they could have done that all this time, but just didn't, until it was too late.
Smoking Cessation Products
In this day and age, there are all kinds of smoking cessation products out there to help you quit, so there is really no excuse to continue. The majority of our population does not puff on Marlboro's or Camels. And you know what this means. Most likely it translates to a lot of annoyed individuals. You see, when you're not a smoker yourself, you have no sympathy for those who do light up. As most non smokers know, smokers in general are extremely self centered when it comes to lighting up a cigarette. The majority of smokers do not care how uncomfortable it makes non smokers because they see it as their right.
It makes total sense to consider smoking cessation therapy in this day and age. You can actually get injections that curb your cravings for a month at a time. Now that's kicking the habit! It's not just about nicotine patches and chewing gum anymore. Battle away those nicotine urges with modern technology. What other choice do you really have?
Benefits and Drawbacks of Smoking
Let me recap the benefits of smoking and it's drawbacks. Okay, there are no benefits to smoking. However, there are plenty of drawbacks. Number one; smoking kills and utterly destroys your health and body as you age. Number two; imagine how much cash you lose to your cigarette habit. Number three; it stains your teeth and leaves you with bad breath. And finally, smoking ages you far too quickly. Talk about premature lines and wrinkles. Smoking destroys the collagen in your face and leaves you looking like a prune. Finally, the biggest drawback of all, premature death.
Find the smoking cessation therapy that truly works for you and the level of your addiction. Kick that nasty habit before it's too late. Out of all the smokers I've known, their lives improved dramatically after they quit smoking, it equates into more money, better health and energy. Go ahead and begin a smoking cessation therapy process today. Your future depends on it. It's time to quit smoking and live life to the fullest!
