There should not be a misconception of today’s memorial day.The world is not celebrating the birth of tobacco or smokers but a reminder of the dangers in it when it becomes an addiction.
It is a memorial reminding people of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Perhaps,we should ask what tobacco is?
According to the Chamber’s Concise Dictionary,”tobacco is the prepared leave of(an American plant used for smoking,chewing or snuffing”.
Cigarette is made from tobacco, and it’s a finely cut tobacco rolled in thin paper for smokers.
In America and some other advanced countries,a pack of cigarette bears the
inscription-“Surgeon general warning”, ‘Smokers are liable to die Young’.
This is a clear warning of dangers a smoker may encounter when addicted to the substance.
Why Do People Smoke Cigarette?
Various reasons entice people to be addicted to smoking cigarettes,or chewing or snuffing tobacco.
Among the reasons are-feeling irritable,anxious, depressed.
Some hide under any of the above to smoke.They complain they are tired of life,work,family etc ,and seek respite in Smoking.
For some,it might be experiencing attention deficit,or unable to think clearly.
Domestic imbalance or family upheaval may drag some other people to become smokers. Also, being divorced,loss of jobs or neglect by husband, children being neglected and uncared for by non-available or runaway parents.
For others,it may be the inability to sleep or staying awake overnight.Some even smoke cigarettes because they are fat and want to loose weight.
Looking at some of the excuses or reasons for engaging in the bad habit,one may be tempted to say that they are good and genuine but are they sufficient enough to make them stick to the damaging habit as the best alternative?
This leads to the No Tobacco Slogan which the world has chosen to Condemn.
Harmful Effects of Cigarettes
Smoking increases the risks of blood Clots which block blood flow to the heart, brain or leg. Some end up having their limbs amputated owing to blood circulation problems caused by smoking.Smokers are more prone to heart attacks than people who do not smoke.
Smoking tobacco puts you at risks of cancer,stroke,heart attack,lung disease and other health issues.
According to experts,”nicotine replacement and lifestyle changes can help you quit”.
“Smoking can damage all parts of your body,down to DNA.But it’s very hard to quit because of its effect on your brain”.
Simply put,you are not gaining anything from smoking cigarettes.Ask any smoker why he smokes.The answer may be :nothing,I just like smoking because it has become my habit or because it makes me be in the company of my friends and the like.
The only thing people gain from smoking are the diseases that come with the consumption of nicotine in the tobacco Content.
According to scientists,”nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation”. Some people smoke with the belief it reduces stress and anxiety.This feeling is temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and Increased cravings for the substance.
Smoking reduces withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t reduce anxiety or deal with the the reasons someone may feel that way.
Why Do Some Smokers live long?
This is one of the dumb reasons some smokers advance why they would continue to smoke despite several warnings and encouragement to quit smoking-“I have been smoking before you were born and I don’t fall sick”.
Scientific study find some individuals have genetic variants that allow them to have long-term exposure to a Carcingen without developing cancer.
Researchers from the University of California,Los Angeles,and the University of Southern California conducted genome -wide association study comparing long-term smokers to people who smoked for shorter periods of time.
These results were used to conduct a functional pathway analysis to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) that collectively related to smokers longevity.
The submissions is that those smokers with longevity of lives without cancer,lung problems etc,have GENETIC VARIANTS that allow them to have long term exposure to a Carcinogen without developing lung cancer.But,how are you sure you belong to this category of the immuned ones?
What Happens if You Smoke Cigarettes Everyday?
You are at risk of serious adverse health conditions. It can also reduce fertility, Increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and contribute to bone loss.
Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco is dangerous to your health!!!
Tobacco contains unsafe substances such as acetone,tar,nicotine and carbon monoxide.
Inhale substances can affect your lungs and other organs of the body.
LAST WARNING – Stay away from nicotine,run from cigarettes, marijuana and all deadly substances that can send you to an early grave or make you bedridden for the rest of your life.
Remember,’smokers are liable to die Young.
By-Idowu Akintunde
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
The Interviews Nigeria