The Cigar Smoking Fad and Women
Despite all the warnings, admonishments, bans on smoking, and education available to instruct the public on the dangers of smoking, it seems that smoking has become increasingly acceptable and popular. For instance, the cigar fad which has engendered numerous magazine covers, advertisements, and more depicting women who are smoking cigars. Impressionable young girls are exposed to these images dozens of times a day, belying the warnings from parents, teachers, celebrities, and health care professionals who warn them that smoking is wrong. Women Smoking Cigarettes not is good.
What are the real risks of smoking?
Cigarette smoking poses one of the greatest health risks of our time. The following is a list of only some of the problems that smoking can pose on our overall health:
- Lung cancer and other lung diseases. It is estimated that smoking causes over 80% of lung cancer deaths among women. Other smoking-related lung diseases include emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Cardiovascular disease. Heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women in industrialized countries, is directly related to smoking. Stroke and high blood pressure are among other cardiovascular-related issues caused by smoking.
- Other cancers. Oral and throat cancer, kidney cancer, cancer of the bladder, and cervical cancer have all been linked to smoking
- Osteoporosis. Indiviuals at risk for osteoporosis, a serious condition caused by bone loss, increase their risk when they smoke.
- Neonatal problems. Women who smoke during pregnancy often give birth to underweight babies; the chance of birth defects is also increased by smoking.
If the health risks aren't enough to make you consider quitting, think about the cosmetic problems caused by smoking. Premature wrinkling, nail and hair damage, and discoloration of the teeth are all marks of the smoker, along with bad breath and permanently smoke-filled clothing. For young girls who hope to appear attractive, one hopes that this image would deter them.
So if I want to quit, what do I do?
Giving up smoking may well be one of the hardest things you ever attempt. It is a serious addiction which requires patience and will-power to overcome. Talk to your doctor for advice on the best way to quit, and he or she can prescribe medication to help you with the cravings. Some quit-smoking products are also available over-the-counter. Enlist your family and friends to help you - they will be overjoyed that you are taking this difficult step.
Lifestyle Changes for Smokers
While you quit smoking, you may want to change some of your other habits as well. You will become a healthier, stronger person.
- Exercise regularly to keep optimum lung and heart function and to de-stress. You will enjoy the activity if you turn it into a social occasion, as well.
- Eat right - follow the guidelines for whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein and plenty of calcium. Avoid packaged foods and red meat.
- Relax. Find a soothing activity you enjoy to help you cope with the stress of quitting cigarettes.
- Take vitamin supplements to restore the nutrients lost through smoking and improve your body's ability to heal and overcome the effects of nicotine.
