Why do we smoke and how does it affect our health?

Today, there is almost no man who does not know that smoking is harmful to health. In one survey in primary school, as many as 90% of students stated that smoking is harmful, but that knowledge did not stop them from at least trying a cigarette. Although the media still spread messages that smoking breaks boredom, that "you are not alone with a cigarette", that it calms, facilitates contact and communication, provides comfort and relaxation, there are still stronger and more messages about the harmful effects of smoking on health and its impact to organs and organ systems. Some general data on cigarettes and smoking are: there are fifteen carcinogens in each cigarette, and a person who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, after one year, has a liter of tar in his lungs; each cigarette reduces life by an average of eight minutes; exercise does not reverse the negative effects of smoking; 90% of smokers say they would like to quit smoking.

Tobacco is responsible for 80% of cancer cases in women and 90% in men. In addition to the lungs, in which chronic bronchitis and emphysema develop, it threatens the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, bladder, and uterus. Smoking accelerates age and negatively affects the body's supply of vitamins. Smokers should eat fruits and vegetables five times a day to cover the body's need for vitamins A and especially C, whose resorption is reduced.

Research has shown that smoking has a particularly negative effect on the heart and blood vessels. The most important effects are reduced oxygen diet and atherosclerosis. Cigarette smoking is one of the most important factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and their reduced patency. The harmful effect is due to the increased concentration of carbon monoxide, an important component of tobacco smoke, which takes the place of oxygen in the blood (in non-smokers the concentration of carbon monoxide is about 1%, and in smokers from 4 to 15%, sometimes more); increased ability to clump platelets, platelets, which leads to blockage of blood vessels and promotes the development of atherosclerosis; in stronger smokers, heart rhythm disorders, pain in the heart area, heart attack often occur. Smoking increases blood pressure and speeds up the heart, which increases the heart's need for oxygen. Peripheral blood vessels also narrow, so these parts of the body are cold due to poor circulation. Smoking has a negative effect on fertility and potency. Tobacco smoke causes hormonal disorders that lead to disorders in the development of the egg and sperm. Due to impaired circulation, which is the result of narrowed blood vessels, there are also disturbances in sexual power and the appearance of erectile dysfunction, as well as occasional or permanent impotence in men.

The effects of smoking cessation, in addition to organic ones, are also psychological: a sense of satisfaction of the ex-smoker and his family, an increase in self-confidence, self-awareness and self-discipline, the joy of setting a positive example. Furthermore, the effects are hygienic and aesthetic: fresh breath, teeth and fingers are not yellow, better sense of taste and smell, nicer and healthier look, nicer complexion with fewer smoking wrinkles. It is also possible to enjoy social occasions and activities in areas where smoking is not allowed, saving money.

If you are not a smoker, try to positively influence smokers from your environment. If you smoke, think and resolve the dilemma: smoke or not, and make it happen. Seek the help of your doctor and the support of the environment. Know that you are responsible for your own health, the health of your family and your friends.