But cigarettes don't love you back. Don't be fooled.. smoking really blows.
Source: effran
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Sticky Web Of Nicotine Addiction
As Spiderman says, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't get caught in the sticky web of nicotine addiction. Eventually, that smoking habit will leave you powerless.
Image Source: LOZ
Monday, February 21, 2011
Why The Outrage?
I remember reading a story recently about a Miller beer distributor employee who was fired from his job because he was caught drinking Budweiser beer in a bar during his off time. I also remember reading another report about a Coca-Cola employee being fired after drinking a Pepsi while on his route. And while I haven't read any news reports just yet, I'd also be willing to bet that there were probably employees "let go" from certain tobacco companies because they chose to smoke a competitor's brand of cigarettes.
This same type of employer discrimination happens everyday in business when employees are caught using their competitors products, even when they weren't at work. There seems to be an unwritten rule that, with some companies, it's a given that you remain fully loyal to the products that are paying your bills, no matter what your personal preferences. If you're going to be part of the team, you have to show your loyalty, right?
So, I wonder why the sudden surge in outrage being reported against hospitals who choose not to employ people who abuse tobacco, even on their own time? They're not doing anything different than other companies have done to their employees in the past.
Hmm.. that's something to think about.
And since I'm all about making informed and educated decisions, before I decide to become sucked into all of the outrage being reported in the media about hospitals adopting "tobacco free" hiring policies, I can't help but wonder - Why is there so much outrage being reported?
If you're going to be part of the health care team, you have to show your loyalty, right?
Remember that the tobacco industry is an extremely powerful and sinister force, with plenty of money to spend on convincing you otherwise. They probably laugh everyday about their abilities to manipulate people. So why shouldn't I be suspicious about this situation?
If you're like me, you may wonder why there are now twenty-nine States and the District of Columbia with laws in effect elevating smokers into a protected class? Who do you think lobbied for this unusual type of legislation?
If you're like me, you'd also have plenty of questions. Such as, were any of the news distributors or writers compensated by big tobacco for reporting this outrage? Are any of the numerous anonymous message forum posts or comments against these tobacco-free initiatives posted by people working for, or compensated by, the tobacco industry?
Just how many of the people outraged are already nicotine addicts, grasping at straws to keep themselves from being separated from their fix?
On the other hand, you'll also wonder - Who's next and where does the insanity end?
But, then you'll also ask yourself - Are people overweight because addictive chemicals have been added to their food, or because they choose to overeat or not exercise?
And lastly, you may want to ask yourself this - why is it okay for other businesses to enact policies to ensure that employees are dedicated towards serving their mission and being part of their team, but it's not okay for hospitals to the the same thing?
Like I said, just something to think about before jumping on the "outraged" bandwagon.
This same type of employer discrimination happens everyday in business when employees are caught using their competitors products, even when they weren't at work. There seems to be an unwritten rule that, with some companies, it's a given that you remain fully loyal to the products that are paying your bills, no matter what your personal preferences. If you're going to be part of the team, you have to show your loyalty, right?
So, I wonder why the sudden surge in outrage being reported against hospitals who choose not to employ people who abuse tobacco, even on their own time? They're not doing anything different than other companies have done to their employees in the past.
Hmm.. that's something to think about.
And since I'm all about making informed and educated decisions, before I decide to become sucked into all of the outrage being reported in the media about hospitals adopting "tobacco free" hiring policies, I can't help but wonder - Why is there so much outrage being reported?
If you're going to be part of the health care team, you have to show your loyalty, right?
Remember that the tobacco industry is an extremely powerful and sinister force, with plenty of money to spend on convincing you otherwise. They probably laugh everyday about their abilities to manipulate people. So why shouldn't I be suspicious about this situation?
If you're like me, you may wonder why there are now twenty-nine States and the District of Columbia with laws in effect elevating smokers into a protected class? Who do you think lobbied for this unusual type of legislation?
If you're like me, you'd also have plenty of questions. Such as, were any of the news distributors or writers compensated by big tobacco for reporting this outrage? Are any of the numerous anonymous message forum posts or comments against these tobacco-free initiatives posted by people working for, or compensated by, the tobacco industry?
Just how many of the people outraged are already nicotine addicts, grasping at straws to keep themselves from being separated from their fix?
On the other hand, you'll also wonder - Who's next and where does the insanity end?
But, then you'll also ask yourself - Are people overweight because addictive chemicals have been added to their food, or because they choose to overeat or not exercise?
And lastly, you may want to ask yourself this - why is it okay for other businesses to enact policies to ensure that employees are dedicated towards serving their mission and being part of their team, but it's not okay for hospitals to the the same thing?
Like I said, just something to think about before jumping on the "outraged" bandwagon.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Cantonese Method To Quit Smoking
The 30-second, guaranteed 100% foolproof, ancient Chinese method to quit smoking.
Source: Robert Holbrook
Source: Robert Holbrook
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Only You Can Prevent Secondhand Smoke
Take a tip from Smokey, only YOU can prevent secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke kills.
Secondhand smoke kills.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Nicotrel - Stop Smoking Forever
Nicotrel, a rocking new medical breakthrough, controls your cigarette cravings and breaks your habit forever. Guaranteed. How can a drug make that promise? Just watch -
Disclosure: Nicotrel users report numerous side effects, including urinary incontinence and anal leakage.
Disclosure: Nicotrel users report numerous side effects, including urinary incontinence and anal leakage.
Cigarette Wars
An original CNBC documentary, CIGARETTE WARS, will premiere on Wednesday, March 2nd at 9pm ET. It will repeat that same evening at 10pm ET, 12am ET, and 1am ET. The documentary will also be shown again on March 6th, March 14th and March 27th.
Like most of the choices people make, it's always about the money.
CIGARETTE WARS goes inside Americas original cash crop -- the companies that sell tobacco, the people who smoke it, the elected officials who are trying to get rid of it, the federal law enforcement agencies who are fighting it on the black market, and even the Kentucky farmers who grow it.
Correspondent Brian A. Shactman reports on an industry that continues to thrive despite all we know about the dangers of smoking. Fifty million stupid Americans, and nearly a billion dumbass people overseas, harmfully light up every day even after being made aware of the consequences. According to Shactman, there are more smokers living in China than there are Americans as a whole.
Here's the trailer -
Like most of the choices people make, it's always about the money.
CIGARETTE WARS goes inside Americas original cash crop -- the companies that sell tobacco, the people who smoke it, the elected officials who are trying to get rid of it, the federal law enforcement agencies who are fighting it on the black market, and even the Kentucky farmers who grow it.
Correspondent Brian A. Shactman reports on an industry that continues to thrive despite all we know about the dangers of smoking. Fifty million stupid Americans, and nearly a billion dumbass people overseas, harmfully light up every day even after being made aware of the consequences. According to Shactman, there are more smokers living in China than there are Americans as a whole.
Here's the trailer -
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Resolution to Quit Smoking
From the winning entries found on, Un-Hooked: The OHSU Tobacco-Free Story Contest.
It was New Year’s Eve. My family was gathered around my dad who was lighting the pack’s worth of cigarettes that he had stuffed in his mouth. His mouth was wide-open, and every last inch of space was filled with a cigarette. It was quite a sight to behold, especially to my eleven year old eyes. He had made a resolution to quit smoking. After years of throwing away his cigarettes, and displaying my own versions of anti-smoking posters around the house, I was thrilled that he was finally quitting.
A couple of months later, I caught him in the garage with a lit cigarette in his hand. I was devastated. At the time, I was too little to understand how hard it is to quit smoking. Five years later, I found a bunch of his little red and white cardboard packs, still filled with cigarettes, sitting in the garbage. But this time, he was the one who had thrown them away. He said, “I went to the doctor today. He told me that if I don’t quit smoking I am going to have a heart attack, and I might not get the chance to say goodbye to my children. I can’t bear the thought of that.” He quit cold turkey. I never saw him smoke another cigarette again.
Today, my dad is seventy two, and he has seen his three daughters graduate from college, get married, and have kids. Much to my delight, he sat in the audience, filled with pride, when I graduated from medical school. By broaching the topic of quitting smoking, that doctor saved my dad’s life. I try and remember that when I see my own patients now.
Maya Rao
It was New Year’s Eve. My family was gathered around my dad who was lighting the pack’s worth of cigarettes that he had stuffed in his mouth. His mouth was wide-open, and every last inch of space was filled with a cigarette. It was quite a sight to behold, especially to my eleven year old eyes. He had made a resolution to quit smoking. After years of throwing away his cigarettes, and displaying my own versions of anti-smoking posters around the house, I was thrilled that he was finally quitting.
A couple of months later, I caught him in the garage with a lit cigarette in his hand. I was devastated. At the time, I was too little to understand how hard it is to quit smoking. Five years later, I found a bunch of his little red and white cardboard packs, still filled with cigarettes, sitting in the garbage. But this time, he was the one who had thrown them away. He said, “I went to the doctor today. He told me that if I don’t quit smoking I am going to have a heart attack, and I might not get the chance to say goodbye to my children. I can’t bear the thought of that.” He quit cold turkey. I never saw him smoke another cigarette again.
Today, my dad is seventy two, and he has seen his three daughters graduate from college, get married, and have kids. Much to my delight, he sat in the audience, filled with pride, when I graduated from medical school. By broaching the topic of quitting smoking, that doctor saved my dad’s life. I try and remember that when I see my own patients now.
Maya Rao
The War On Smoking
I got this South Park video emailed to me from a critic of my blog who says it represents my fascist attitude towards the war on smoking. It's funny, but truth be told, I'm not that extreme.
Sure, I'm fed up with stupid nicotine addicts making my life miserable with their secondhand smoke, and I'd love it if not one person ever smoked again. However, this doesn't mean that I'd stoop to the immoral and criminal strategies of the tobacco industry and their supporters, or that I would approve of making tobacco illegal, along with government prohibition.
We all know just how well that's working with the war on drugs, right?
Like the South Park kids, I'm all about individual choice and personal responsibility.
But, nicotine addiction is a serious health concern, and there is not one positive aspect of tobacco abuse that should warrant it's use. The only reason tobacco products exist is to intentionally addict us in order to line someone else's pockets. People need to be warned about the addictive properties of tobacco, and the negative affects it has on one's health.
Once educated, if one is still foolish enough to begin smoking, or to continue smoking once he/she becomes addicted, then that person should accept the consequences of their choice, and without all of the "poor me" attitude when he/she starts to experience any of the negative affects from their poor choice. You made the choice, live with it.
I also don't believe that non-smokers should be expected to become involved in, or a victim of, a smoker's addiction. It's been shown, time after time, that an addict doesn't care how their addiction affects others around them, so there needs to be rules, regulations, and laws in place to address secondhand smoke and other negative behaviors.
So while I think that Smoking Blows, if you really feel the need to harm yourself, make sure that you accept the personal responsibility not to affect everyone else with your choice.
Sure, I'm fed up with stupid nicotine addicts making my life miserable with their secondhand smoke, and I'd love it if not one person ever smoked again. However, this doesn't mean that I'd stoop to the immoral and criminal strategies of the tobacco industry and their supporters, or that I would approve of making tobacco illegal, along with government prohibition.
We all know just how well that's working with the war on drugs, right?
Like the South Park kids, I'm all about individual choice and personal responsibility.
But, nicotine addiction is a serious health concern, and there is not one positive aspect of tobacco abuse that should warrant it's use. The only reason tobacco products exist is to intentionally addict us in order to line someone else's pockets. People need to be warned about the addictive properties of tobacco, and the negative affects it has on one's health.
Once educated, if one is still foolish enough to begin smoking, or to continue smoking once he/she becomes addicted, then that person should accept the consequences of their choice, and without all of the "poor me" attitude when he/she starts to experience any of the negative affects from their poor choice. You made the choice, live with it.
I also don't believe that non-smokers should be expected to become involved in, or a victim of, a smoker's addiction. It's been shown, time after time, that an addict doesn't care how their addiction affects others around them, so there needs to be rules, regulations, and laws in place to address secondhand smoke and other negative behaviors.
So while I think that Smoking Blows, if you really feel the need to harm yourself, make sure that you accept the personal responsibility not to affect everyone else with your choice.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Inspirar Profundamente
Do I really need to translate this for you? For every puff you take, he takes one too.
The Adventures Loony Lungs
Regardless of your foolishness not to listen, your brain will always tell you it's not smart to smoke. But, your two lungs don't know any better. They'll always compete with each other for that last bit of oxygen - to the very end.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tweet | About Smoking
I've been spending too much time blogging to the world in order to get my point across about the fool and folly of cigarette smoking to others, and have neglected my peeps. I just got this video "tweet" from an old girlfriend asking me to help out a little closer to home.
Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do to prevent smoking.
Why, oh why | Gave you several years of my life | And it just ain't right
What's your perception of love | Now, how many times did we say it was over
And how many times did we not leave | There's no sense in this love hangover
Please come back to me
Cuz I can't forget your ways | I still remember our first kiss
I'm nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night
I can't cope with this | Smoking cigarettes at night
You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
In the midnight hour | Late midnight hour
I see the etch of yo face | And it makes it hard for me to breathe
What can I do to change your decision | Please work with me (me, me)
Sometimes my eyes won't close from weepin' | And sometimes I can't wake up from sleepin' (why) | Cuz you keep callin' me, keep callin' me in my dreams
I can't forget your ways | I still remember our first kiss
You got me nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night
I can't cope with this | Smoking cigarettes at night
You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
Newport's, Winston's, Salem's, Marlboro Lights | Don't matter what the kind is
Cause you got me smoking out on you | Got me puffin' 'bout a pack a night
And I know it ain't healthy | Nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night | I can't cope with this
Smoking cigarettes at night | You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
Nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night | I'm nervous and tremblin'
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night | I can't cope with this
Smoking cigarettes at night | Smokin' | You're the one to help me quit
Smoking cigarettes at night
No it ain't healthy | Smokin' | Gotta quit | You're the only one
Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do to prevent smoking.
Why, oh why | Gave you several years of my life | And it just ain't right
What's your perception of love | Now, how many times did we say it was over
And how many times did we not leave | There's no sense in this love hangover
Please come back to me
Cuz I can't forget your ways | I still remember our first kiss
I'm nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night
I can't cope with this | Smoking cigarettes at night
You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
In the midnight hour | Late midnight hour
I see the etch of yo face | And it makes it hard for me to breathe
What can I do to change your decision | Please work with me (me, me)
Sometimes my eyes won't close from weepin' | And sometimes I can't wake up from sleepin' (why) | Cuz you keep callin' me, keep callin' me in my dreams
I can't forget your ways | I still remember our first kiss
You got me nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night
I can't cope with this | Smoking cigarettes at night
You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
Newport's, Winston's, Salem's, Marlboro Lights | Don't matter what the kind is
Cause you got me smoking out on you | Got me puffin' 'bout a pack a night
And I know it ain't healthy | Nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night | I can't cope with this
Smoking cigarettes at night | You're the one to help me quit | Smoking cigarettes at night
Nervous and tremblin' | Smoking cigarettes at night | I'm nervous and tremblin'
Wondering where you been | Smoking cigarettes at night | I can't cope with this
Smoking cigarettes at night | Smokin' | You're the one to help me quit
Smoking cigarettes at night
No it ain't healthy | Smokin' | Gotta quit | You're the only one
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Choice Of Addiction
I want to point out this story of a nurse anesthetist who has been accused of stealing and abusing potent pain medications prescribed for a patient on whom they were operating. According to the article -
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is more important to these selfish addicts than getting their next fix. As this story shows, you could be restrained on a table, carved up with a knife, screaming or writing in pain, and the addict would only be thinking about himself/herself.
The exact same behavior happens with nicotine addicts every day.
Nicotine addicts smoke their cigarettes in places where they know they shouldn't be smoking, they flick their cigarette butts anywhere they please without a second thought about the consequences, and pollute your air with their secondhand smoke without a care in the world about how it affects you or your loved ones.
Again, all that matters is that smokers get their fix whenever and wherever they want it.
Unfortunately, I don't think many non-smokers give it much thought because cigarettes aren't illegal, and the media (on behalf of the tobacco industry) has been promoting smoking as "normal" for so long. In essence, the public has been trained not to complain and to tolerate whatever the nicotine addict decides to do. Smoker's rights seem to be more important than the rights of people who DON'T smoke!
While non-smokers are starting to wisen up, it seems as though smokers are still being treated with kid gloves no matter how seriously bad their behavior becomes. The "addiction" is always blamed for the smoker's behavior instead of the smoker's own individual choice to behave in that way. We are expected to sympathize with the smoker because they are addicted, or because it's considered "politically correct".
Again, this story points out what I mean when County Attorney Mike Freeman said -
It's a well-known fact that almost EVERYONE is aware that drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are potentially harmful and addicting before they make that INDIVIDUAL CHOICE to abuse them.
Addicts weren't addicted before they made their choice to abuse these drugs, yet foolishly decided to abuse them anyway, while also fully knowing the potential consequences.
So, it should go without saying that the addiction didn't cause their bad behavior, their own apathetic choices did, and no one should be expected to sympathize with them afterward. They are personally responsible for their own actions and don't deserve any sympathy.
This doesn't mean that I don't support the efforts of those who want to quit smoking.
We all make mistakes. As long as an addict realizes and acknowledges his/her mistake, and wants to change, we should support their efforts to quit smoking and wish them the best. It's in everyone's best interests for them to quit smoking.
However, as this story highlights, there are addicts who truly don't care about anyone but themselves, don't care about how their addiction affects you, don't want to change, and will continue with their bad behavior as long as they can get away with it.
Think about it. Do these people deserve your sympathy? You tell me.
The patient screamed and writhed in agony during surgery at a Minneapolis hospital. Nurse Sarah May Casareto allegedly told him to go to his "happy place" and to "man up" because she couldn't give him more medication.The reason that I'm pointing this out is because I want everyone to understand just how seriously self-centered, apathetic, and cruel people with addictions are towards anyone who comes between them and their drugs.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is more important to these selfish addicts than getting their next fix. As this story shows, you could be restrained on a table, carved up with a knife, screaming or writing in pain, and the addict would only be thinking about himself/herself.
The exact same behavior happens with nicotine addicts every day.
Nicotine addicts smoke their cigarettes in places where they know they shouldn't be smoking, they flick their cigarette butts anywhere they please without a second thought about the consequences, and pollute your air with their secondhand smoke without a care in the world about how it affects you or your loved ones.
Again, all that matters is that smokers get their fix whenever and wherever they want it.
Unfortunately, I don't think many non-smokers give it much thought because cigarettes aren't illegal, and the media (on behalf of the tobacco industry) has been promoting smoking as "normal" for so long. In essence, the public has been trained not to complain and to tolerate whatever the nicotine addict decides to do. Smoker's rights seem to be more important than the rights of people who DON'T smoke!
While non-smokers are starting to wisen up, it seems as though smokers are still being treated with kid gloves no matter how seriously bad their behavior becomes. The "addiction" is always blamed for the smoker's behavior instead of the smoker's own individual choice to behave in that way. We are expected to sympathize with the smoker because they are addicted, or because it's considered "politically correct".
Again, this story points out what I mean when County Attorney Mike Freeman said -
"Obviously she has a severe addiction to pain medication, for which we can empathize," Freeman said.Well, I disagree with this empathetic concept wholeheartedly. Let me explain why -
It's a well-known fact that almost EVERYONE is aware that drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are potentially harmful and addicting before they make that INDIVIDUAL CHOICE to abuse them.
Addicts weren't addicted before they made their choice to abuse these drugs, yet foolishly decided to abuse them anyway, while also fully knowing the potential consequences.
So, it should go without saying that the addiction didn't cause their bad behavior, their own apathetic choices did, and no one should be expected to sympathize with them afterward. They are personally responsible for their own actions and don't deserve any sympathy.
This doesn't mean that I don't support the efforts of those who want to quit smoking.
We all make mistakes. As long as an addict realizes and acknowledges his/her mistake, and wants to change, we should support their efforts to quit smoking and wish them the best. It's in everyone's best interests for them to quit smoking.
However, as this story highlights, there are addicts who truly don't care about anyone but themselves, don't care about how their addiction affects you, don't want to change, and will continue with their bad behavior as long as they can get away with it.
Think about it. Do these people deserve your sympathy? You tell me.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lighting Up The Truth
Our friends to the north are on the ball when it comes to protecting their citizens' health. Already being distributed in Canada, these are the kinds of graphic health warnings you can expect to see on all cigarette packaging and advertisements in America by late 2012.
Source: Lisa Lavie
Source: Lisa Lavie
Congratulations Mr. President!
According to a Google, AP news release citing First Lady Michell Obama, President Barack Obama has "formally" quit smoking and hasn't had a cigarette in almost a year.
According to the news agency, Michelle Obama said quitting has been a "personal challenge" for the President. She did not elaborate on how he quit, and while she said she was proud of her husband, she hasn't asked him for details. "I haven't really poked and prodded him on this," she said. "When somebody's doing the right thing, you don't mess with them." Well said.
Editorial Cartoon Source: Steve Kelley
I've always believed that parents must lead by example. The First Lady said Obama's chief motivation for quitting was because he wanted to be able to look daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 9, in the face and say "No" if they ever asked him about his not-so-secret vice.
Congratulations on breaking the habit for your children Mr. President! Tweens are experts at sniffing out the hypocrisy of their parents, and often use it to justify their owns bad behaviors. So, I'm happy to see that you've decided to give them some change that they can believe in.
According to the news agency, Michelle Obama said quitting has been a "personal challenge" for the President. She did not elaborate on how he quit, and while she said she was proud of her husband, she hasn't asked him for details. "I haven't really poked and prodded him on this," she said. "When somebody's doing the right thing, you don't mess with them." Well said.
I've always believed that parents must lead by example. The First Lady said Obama's chief motivation for quitting was because he wanted to be able to look daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 9, in the face and say "No" if they ever asked him about his not-so-secret vice.
Congratulations on breaking the habit for your children Mr. President! Tweens are experts at sniffing out the hypocrisy of their parents, and often use it to justify their owns bad behaviors. So, I'm happy to see that you've decided to give them some change that they can believe in.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
West Virginia, Almost Heaven
From the state that brings you black lung disease, West Virginia again leads the nation as the state with the largest concentration of adult smokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tobacco Control State Highlights 2010 -
But even more frightful, West Virginia also has NO statewide smoke-free laws of any strength in place to protect their citizens from secondhand smoke. As a matter of fact, in 2008, the state legislature purposely shot down statewide smoking ban legislation. Don't they know that smoking kills way more people than black lung disease?
As described in the same Tobacco Control State Highlights introduction -
That's more people than the population of some of the state's largest cities.
With the numbers of deaths reaching such high levels one would think that West Virginia legislators would consider smoking to be their most serious constituent concern, and address it quickly and appropriately. I can't understand their lack of action. Who knows? Maybe it's more important to them for their smoking citizens to be a little closer to the state's former slogan - "Almost Heaven".
I also can't understand why West Virginia citizens would allow themselves to lead the nation in this terrible category? Surely, West Virginia residents wouldn't be foolish enough to elect representatives that don't care about their health and welfare. The smoking voters couldn't possibly outnumber the non-smoking voters.. at least not yet.
But, then on the other hand, I do remember this television cigarette commercial from my past that may put things in better perspective.
In West Virginia, 26.5% of the adult population (aged 18+ years) — over 378,000 individuals — are current cigarette smokers. Across all states, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults ranges from 9.3% to 26.5%. West Virginia ranks 51st among the states (including the District of Columbia).That's greater than 1 out of 4 adults smoking cigarettes in WV!
But even more frightful, West Virginia also has NO statewide smoke-free laws of any strength in place to protect their citizens from secondhand smoke. As a matter of fact, in 2008, the state legislature purposely shot down statewide smoking ban legislation. Don't they know that smoking kills way more people than black lung disease?
As described in the same Tobacco Control State Highlights introduction -
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. An estimated 46 million American adults currently smoke cigarettes and annually cigarette smoking causes approximately 443,000 deaths. Half of all long-term smokers die prematurely from smoking-related causes. For every person who dies from tobacco use, another 20 suffer with at least one serious tobacco-related illness.According to the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention, the leading cause of death and disease in West Virginia continues to be tobacco use with high prevalence for both smoking and spit tobacco. Almost 4,000 West Virginia residents die each year from tobacco use and, if current trends continue, over 40,000 more residents will die by the year 2020 because of their addiction to tobacco.
Furthermore, exposure to secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in nonsmokers. In 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that secondhand smoke exposure causes heart attacks, even brief exposure to secondhand smoke could plausibly trigger a heart attack, and smoke-free laws result in fewer heart attack hospitalizations. Additionally, the Surgeon General, concluded in 2006 that there is about a 25%-30% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease from exposure to secondhand smoke. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work also increase their lung cancer risk by 20%-30%.
That's more people than the population of some of the state's largest cities.
With the numbers of deaths reaching such high levels one would think that West Virginia legislators would consider smoking to be their most serious constituent concern, and address it quickly and appropriately. I can't understand their lack of action. Who knows? Maybe it's more important to them for their smoking citizens to be a little closer to the state's former slogan - "Almost Heaven".
I also can't understand why West Virginia citizens would allow themselves to lead the nation in this terrible category? Surely, West Virginia residents wouldn't be foolish enough to elect representatives that don't care about their health and welfare. The smoking voters couldn't possibly outnumber the non-smoking voters.. at least not yet.
But, then on the other hand, I do remember this television cigarette commercial from my past that may put things in better perspective.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Non-Smokers Are Fuming
Not only will secondhand smoke weaken his immune system, thicken his blood, and make his heart beat faster, but suppressing his anger and the urge to put his foot up your ass because of your selfish habit causes untold consequences. Magnify that day by day, week by week, and you shouldn't be surprised when non-smokers eventually go postal on you.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Learn From Experience
It's often said that history is doomed to repeat itself, especially when it comes to smoking. Young smokers often think that history is only something that happens to other people.
It's also often said that history repeats itself because no one was listening the first time. Be wise my young friends, don't live in denial. Listen and learn from older smokers' experiences.
We learn from history that we never learn anything from history. - Hegel
It's also often said that history repeats itself because no one was listening the first time. Be wise my young friends, don't live in denial. Listen and learn from older smokers' experiences.
We learn from history that we never learn anything from history. - Hegel
Smoke - A Documentary
An entertaining and informative documentary that delves into the world of reasons why people continue to smoke, despite the obvious health risks involved.
Hear the personal stories of people, from a voice over artist, to a chimney sweeper, contrasted with archived tobacco industry statements at odds with common sense.
Smoke from RPCI Health Behavior-Paul Hage on Vimeo.
Hear the personal stories of people, from a voice over artist, to a chimney sweeper, contrasted with archived tobacco industry statements at odds with common sense.
Smoke from RPCI Health Behavior-Paul Hage on Vimeo.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Preventative Smoking Statistics
Here's some unfortunate smoking statistics from the Tullahoma, TN Fire Department.
Reductions in Smoking Show Promise for Reducing Home Fire Deaths
Reductions in Smoking Show Promise for Reducing Home Fire Deaths
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
69,350 Reasons Not To Smoke
Think you've tried just about every strategy available to quit smoking? How about penance? Watch No Ifs, Ands or Butts to see Hal Branson's unusual strategy for smoking cessation.
CDC's New Anti-Smoking Campaign
The CDC's new anti-smoking campaign effectively reaches teens with a simple message: if you smoke, people are going to know you're totally crazy for butt sex - via ONN.
New Anti-Smoking Ads Warn Teens 'It's Gay To Smoke'
New Anti-Smoking Ads Warn Teens 'It's Gay To Smoke'
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Smoking Irony via Johnny Ancich
The health risks of tobacco are well known, but kids and teens continue to smoke and use chewing tobacco. Many young people pick up these habits every year — in fact, 90% of all adult smokers started when they were kids.
Each day, more than 3,900 kids become regular smokers.
More of Johnny's Smoking Humor at: Past Expiry Cartoons
Each day, more than 3,900 kids become regular smokers.
More of Johnny's Smoking Humor at: Past Expiry Cartoons
Feeling COLD today?
Then pour yourself a warm drink.. if you can reach it.
This type of COLD is easily preventable - just don't smoke.
This type of COLD is easily preventable - just don't smoke.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What's A Smoker's Limit?
I'm sure you've all seen smokers like this sinking motorist. You gotta laugh.
No matter what kind of chaos is happening around them, a smoker's main focus will always be getting that last drag off their cigarette. They just cannot spit that cigarette out of their mouth, no matter how serious the situation. It's the ultimate sign of nicotine addiction.
The funny part is that every one of these smokers never recognizes the absurdity of their own behavior, even when pointed out to them with pictures.. but I'll keep trying.
Image Source: Zero1Infinity
No matter what kind of chaos is happening around them, a smoker's main focus will always be getting that last drag off their cigarette. They just cannot spit that cigarette out of their mouth, no matter how serious the situation. It's the ultimate sign of nicotine addiction.
The funny part is that every one of these smokers never recognizes the absurdity of their own behavior, even when pointed out to them with pictures.. but I'll keep trying.
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