Negative Effects of Smoking Cigarettes

Have you ever hang out with people who smoke cigarette? Or you are one of those people who smoke? Just take a look around you. Parks, buildings, beaches, houses, malls and in every corner of the street, there is one thing you will certainly observe: cigarette smokers are everywhere.

Just imagine this scenario. Wherever he is, he would shove a cigarette into his mouth. Then light up the match. As the wood burns away, he will light the end of the cigarette. And slowly sip through it. Inhale and exhale. Taking his breath away and replacing it with smoke was his favorite part. He really got into this habit. Ignoring all the people he offended. Pretending that he is unaware just to satisfy his craving for smoking. Don't really care if he is causing other people to constantly hold their breath and face away from the smoky air. How unpleasant, isn't it?

Cigarettes contains nicotine, a highly addictive drug that makes it difficult for smokers to kick the habit. But I hope telling you some facts about the effects of smoking cigarettes would help you to quit with this harmful habit.

According to the world health organization, 6 million adults around the world die from tobacco-related causes every year. And by 2030, experts caution we'll lose 8 million lives annually if we don't reduce our consumption. With numbers like that, there aren't many of us who don't know someone, be it family member or friend who has been affected of smoking. Smoking-related diseases can snatch our beloved family members and friends away from us at an alarming rate.

And even if you do not smoke yet mingle with smokers, you will also be at risk of several diseases. And if you think that being a non-smoker will make you safe from suffering the negative effects of smoking, then you are very wrong. In fact, just being around by the smokers can also damage your health same as the smokers. This is what we called second-hand smoker. And believe it or not, 600,000 non-smokers die each year from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Everyone knows that it is bad for our health, but most people dont know that the effects of smoking are mostly permanent. They think that they can smoke for a few years and then quit without suffering any long-term effects. People must know that some organs in the body will never recover fully from the damage the smoke has done. Some of the damage consist of the respiratory system, heart, eyes, mouth and even the urinary and digestive organs. And the most evident is causing you to have yellowing of the teeth and bad breath.

And according to American lung association, the U.S. Surgeon general officially confirmed by 1964 that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. And they also learned in the 50 plus years that followed that smoking is responsible for a heap of other awful diseases.

"Here are some health consequences of smoking you might not have heard before.

1. Going blind - smoking increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 65.

2. Type 2 diabetes - smoking contributes to type 2 diabetes and increases the risk of complications from the disease including poor blood flow to legs and feet. This can lead to infection and result in the need to amputate a limb. Yepyou could lose your foot or leg!

3. Erectile dysfunction - male sexual function is affected when you smoke. Tobacco causes narrowing of blood vessels all over your body, including those that supply blood to the penis. Good news is that quitting will make a big difference.

4. Ectopic pregnancy - ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening reproductive complication in women that is more likely in smokers. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. The egg cant survive and it puts mom's life at serious risk.

5. Hip fractures - smokers lose bone density at a faster rate than non-smokers which puts you at risk for breaking body parts like your hip. Putting down the cigarettes can help slow down this process and keep you breaking a sweat, not your bones, on the dance floor.

6. Colorectal cancer - colorectal cancer, which forms in your intestines (colon or rectum), is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the united states. One of the reasons? Yup, cigarette smoking. Smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from this type of cancer.

7. Rheumatoid arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease more common in women that affects the joints in your hands and feet. It causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone loss and joint deformity. Smoking is one of the causes, and is also associated with developing the disease at an earlier age.

8. Cleft lip and cleft palate - these birth defects, commonly called orofacial clefts, occur when a babys lip or mouth doesn't develop properly during pregnancy. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with orofacial clefts.

9. Fertility issues - moms-to-be take note: smoking can affect your ability to conceive. It causes reduced fertility in women and can contribute to other problems during pregnancy.

10. Gum disease - as if potentially losing a limb isnt enough (see #2), you also risk losing your teeth from smoking. Smoking contributes to periodontisa gum infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults."

Oh my friend, it's all so clear. Smoking cigarettes does not make you look cool." Unfortunately, it is like making and signing a contract with fate. The temporary satisfaction of smoking is leading you to a very early and untimely end of your happiness. It's solely a great way to lose ten years of your life. You lose lots of money, and a lifetime of health issues.

Indeed, smoking shows no boundaries. We all need to play a role to stop the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes. Although it can be a very difficult habit to break, smoking is ultimately a choice; it is your responsibility to choose whether or not you will continue to smoke. Be wise enough to choose a right choice.