Whatever's Clever ... It's Free, Take It: Cigarettes

For a young woman studying the human body, I cannot say that I am a picture of health or that I necessarily practice what I preach. Come on now, we are all humans that are creatures of habit and drawn to our vices. I didn't pick up the nasty habit until my early twenties (mind you I am currently 22), but buying packs weekly for over a year was a serious wake-up call. It started getting noticeably bad when I watched consecutive episodes of Mad Men, chainsmoking because Don Draper made it look so good. In the past, I have successfully quit (aka taken significant breaks) and even though it hasn't exactly been a long time coming, I feel a bit silly promoting health and wellness with a King Size Belmont in my mouth. So I have taken it upon myself to make an effort to quit and to pass along the motivation and information that may help you get started as well... Even for an occasional smoker, it isn't doing us any good and more than likely speeding up the aging process, increasing the risk of disease, and burning a hole in our pockets. (i.e. 1 pack per week for 1 year equates to spending $494 - $520 if you pay close to $10 per pack).

Put it down Britney!!

Strong scientific evidence suggests that smoking is related to more than two dozen diseases and conditions. Fortunately, most of these start to reverse after a smoker quits smoking. In fact, the benefits of quitting may begin in a matter of hours.

All smokers are at extra risk for:

Coronary heart disease (for example, heart attacks);
Peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems);
Aortic aneurysm;
High blood pressure;
High cholesterol (LDL);
Lung cancer;
Cancer of the mouth, throat and voice box;
Cancer of the pancreas;
Cancer of the kidney, and urinary bladder;
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
Chronic bronchitis;
Emphysema;
Pneumonia;
Influenza (the "flu");
The common cold;
Peptic ulcers;
Chronic bowel disease (Crohn's Disease);
Tooth decay (cavities);
Gum disease;
Osteoporosis;
Sleep problems (falling asleep inappropriately and/or frequent waking);
Cataracts;
Thyroid disease (Grave's Disease).

Female smokers are at an extra risk for:

Cancer of the cervix (womb);
Menstrual problems;
Fertility problems
Spontaneous miscarriage

Male smokers have an extra risk of:

Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Fertility problems (problems with sperm).

There is some scientific evidence that smoking may also be related to cancer of the large intestine and leukemia. In addition to various diseases, smoking also causes the skin to wrinkle and create the appearance of premature aging. Smoking also reduces the sense of smell and taste.