At this time the American Cancer Society estimates that 21% of the population are now smokers. Approximately 46 million adults smoke cigarettes and of those there are more men than women who smoke. Interestingly, education appears to be linked with smoking rates in those who have higher levels of education have low or rates of smoking. These numbers have declined significantly, almost in half since 1965 when 42% of the population smoked.
Despite the education about the risks of smoking and the decline in recent years nearly 1 in every three male high school students and one in every five female high school students have used some type of tobacco. Cigar smoking appears to be common among high school students. The American Cancer Society also reports on studies which link students who smoke as being more likely to use other drugs, get into fights, carry weapons, commit suicide or take part in high risk sexual behaviors.
And these are only some of the problems which face high school students who choose to smoke cigarettes. Other risks that individuals face involve more physical risks such as heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and the leading cause of death among smokers. Individuals who smoke also face risks for stroke, addiction and alter brain chemistry. Smoking and the chemicals that are in cigarettes and tobacco will also affect the eyes and increase the risk of macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.
Smoking increases the risk for the development of Graves’ disease or others thyroid diseases and significantly increases the risk of premature aging and wrinkles. The chemicals within tobacco break down the collagen within the body, the majority of which is shown on the face and hands. Individuals who smoke also routinely have been skin and noticed an increased risk of bruising from minor bumps.
Individuals who smoke must pay specific attention and diligent attention to their teeth because the nicotine in tobacco will cause discoloration and stains as well as increase the amount of plaque which is formed. Dentists ask for information about smoking history because they recognize the increased risk of gingivitis or gum disease which can also lead to coronary artery disease and heart disease. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer to the lips, mouth, throat and larynx as well as cancer of the esophagus. People who smoke will report they have a decreased sense of smell and taste because the chemicals have damaged the sensory cells and those organs.
Smokers routinely suffer from shortness of breath and an increased risk of colds and flu as well as pneumonia. Individuals who smoke for any length of time increase their risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and asthma. Men and women have an increased risk of suffering from osteoporosis and spine and hip fractures as well as degenerative disc disease in the spine.
Smoking also adversely affects both male and female reproduction. Men suffer from impotence and deformity or loss of motility of the sperm. Females increase the amount of pain they experience each month, go through early menopause and increase their risk of cervical cancer. Women who do become pregnant have an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancies and placenta previa. Infants who are born to mothers who smoke are often smaller than they should be for gestational age and can increase their risk of birth defects as well is increase the likelihood that the child will smoke as a teenager.
Smoking negatively affects the peripheral vascular system and increases the risk of gangrene and peripheral vascular disease.
Amazingly, smoking and a variety of chemicals and nicotine which are present in tobacco, adversely affect almost every system in the human body. For some individuals this information is enough to help them become motivated to quit smoking while others may recognize the dangers but choose to accept the risks because they are unable to find an adequate means of helping them quit. Thankfully, with increased technology and research and knowledge, most individuals should be able to find a system which helps them to quit smoking and improve their overall health.
