Reasons to start smoking
The history of smoking dates back to 4,000 BC and was used in spiritual rituals. But the first scientific report on smoking was not published until 1964, and it is still famous among healthcare researchers. In that study, researchers divided 40,000 British doctors into four groups (non-smokers, and light, moderate, and heavy smokers) and used mortality as the outcome measure. The study’s 10-year interim results showed much higher lung cancer mortality and all-cause mortality in smokers, with a “dose-response” relation (heavy smokers died at a higher rate than moderate smokers; moderate smokers died at a higher rate than light smokers, etc.).
Lose at Least One Decade of Life
A medical research team analyzed smoking and smoking-cessation data collected from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey of over 200,000 adults linked to the National Death Index. The rate of death from any cause for current smokers was about three times that for those who had never smoked. The likelihood of surviving from 25 to 79 years of age was about double for those who had never smoked compared to current smokers. Smokers lose at least a decade of life expectancy compared to those who have never smoked.
More Reasons to Smoke
Smokers also have more heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, hip fractures, cataracts, pneumonia, erectile dysfunction, low back pain, intervertebral disc disease, inferior patient outcomes following surgical interventions, increased rates of postoperative complications, and a higher risk for the nonunion of fractures. So if you want these conditions, smoking is a good choice.
You Can Quit!
Quitting smoking by the age of 40 reduces the risk of death associated with continued smoking by about 90 percent. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following strategies:
1. Don’t smoke at all. Smoking even a few cigarettes a day can hurt your health. If you try to smoke fewer cigarettes, but do not stop completely, soon you’ll be smoking the same amount again. Smoking “low-tar, low-nicotine” cigarettes usually does little good, because nicotine is so addictive. If you switch to lowernicotine brands, you’ll likely just puff harder, longer, and more often on each cigarette. The only safe choice is to quit completely.
2. Write down why you want to quit. Really wanting to quit smoking is very important to successfully quitting. Smokers who live after a heart attack are the most likely to quit for good — they’re very motivated. Find a reason for quitting before you have no choice.
3. Know that it will take effort to quit smoking. Nicotine is habit forming. Half the battle in quitting is knowing you need to quit. This knowledge will increase your ability to deal with symptoms of withdrawal, such as bad moods and the “urge” to smoke. There are many ways smokers quit, including using nicotine replacement products (gum and patches), but there is no easy way. Nearly all smokers have some feelings of nicotine withdrawal when they try to quit. Give yourself a month to get over these feelings. Take quitting one day at a time, even one minute at a time — whatever you need to succeed.
4. Be encouraged by the fact that half of all adult smokers have quit, so you can, too. Millions of people have learned to face life without a cigarette. Quitting smoking is the best step you can take to stay healthy.
5. Get help if you need it. Many groups offer written materials, programs, and advice to help smokers quit for good. Your doctor or dentist can also be a good source of support. Look for national and local groups with resources to help you quit.