I have ever once done this in my life and never plan to (that's not to say I'm a goody-two-shoes...*wink*) and honestly, I never really got why people ever started this habit. Both of my parents did it as I was growing up and I always just thought it was yucky. Plus, it did NOTHING good for my allergies. But now, it's been pegged as the #1 preventable cause of death for Americans.
(Photo Courtesy of Nufkin)
People who smoke cigarettes take at least 10 years off their life expectancy. TEN YEARS! On the other hand, those who kick the habit before age 40 reduce the additional risk of death from smoking by about 90%. The study examined data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey between 1997 and 2004, and also found that women who smoke now die at a similar rate as men.
Have you tried to stop but haven't been able to? Is it your new years resolution? If you're giving it a shot, know that I'm rooting for you...you can live a healthier life! Plus, we need to keep all the listeners we can! Ha!
