Smoking Kills – A Fact Often Ignored by Smokers
Twelve years ago, I used to smoke more than one pack of cigarette everyday. It was a bad habit I picked up when I lived in Spain for three years. I have no excuse for that but let me just say, it happened because I did not know any better. Had I known that smoking kills, I wouldn’t have started smoking. But then again, I remember my mother telling me when I was a kid to never smoke because it causes liver problems. I never knew how she came to that conclusion, but the CDC’s Data and Statistics for Smoking and Tobacco Use confirms that smoking causes cancer, cardiovascular disease (heart and circulatory system), respiratory disease and other harmful effects. It is also a known fact that even second hand smoke is quite as deadly.
This is the reason why I am now always averse to being near smokers – they endanger not only themselves but also me. But looking back on my smoking days, I never gave any second thought to smoking among people, whether they were smokers or not. What mattered to me then was to satisfy my tobacco cravings, even if I was in a bus or a crowded place. (Smoking in public was not banned at the time – in the 80’s). I remember even deriding restaurants that banned smokers or relegated them to an out of the way corner. In those days, my friends and I decided never to patronize such establishments and we would simply look for other restaurants or any eating place where they allowed smokers. These days fortunately, no respectable restaurant allows smokers inside and I would never consider eating in a place where they allow smokers. Finally, smoking was banned in public places.
Regret always comes last. I could never undo the damage caused by smoking to my heart. And as what the CDC say, by smoking I have also exposed myself to cancer risks and other respiratory problems. I can only pray that I do not suffer the worst consequences of smoking.
Do you smoke or do you know someone who smokes? You can help stop this and be healthier.
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Comments
Hi Kapuso,
I’m sorry to hear that. I wish all smokers realize the danger they putting themselves and others in. It is such a waste, of money and of life.
My dad died of lung cancer. My brother-in-law had a lobectomy in the spring and has just finished chemo treatments for lung cancer. Radiation may be his next step… Most of my family has managed to quit (I, thankfully, never started), but one of my sisters remains a smoker.
-Breaks my heart, but it is ultimately her choice.
Heather Dugan´s last blog ..Pick a Park and Play (For Free!) 
Hi Heather,
You’re the second one here to say that her father died of cancer. These are hard facts that should make smokers reconsider their decision to continue smoking. I am happy to know though, that you never started this bad habit. I wish I never did too. 
My father died of cancer way too young…he was a chain smoker…
SkippyHeart´s last blog ..YOUNG and YOUNG ONCE in Love