Smoking was once in vogue, and cigarettes were an extension of fashion. People now know that smoking is dangerous to your health and to the health of those around you. Smoking bans are in place in many communities, and support groups are available to help smokers kick the habit. While society continues to move toward a smoke-free status, some smokers find it difficult to quit smoking. Understanding the facts about tobacco and smoking can help a smoker make the decision to quit.
History
According to Tobacco.org, smoking is an ancient pastime, dating as far back as the Mayans who combined tobacco with herbs and resins for smoking. Christopher Columbus mentioned tobacco in his dealings with native tribes, and by the 1800s, the cigar made its debut. By the early 1900s, the cigarette was gaining in popularity, and during the Flapper era of the 1920s, it became fashionable to smoke.
Types
While cigarette smoking is the most popular way to use tobacco, other methods are detrimental to your health as well. The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that the "greatest risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco." In addition to cigarettes, smokers may use pipes and cigars as smoking methods, and some use smokeless tobacco, or "chew." The Foundation stresses that all forms of tobacco use are dangerous.
Statistics
The American Heart Association reports that, as of 2010, approximately 23 percent of American men and 18 percent of American women smoke. The rate of smoking is slightly higher among black men than white men, but it is lower for black women than for white women. Hispanics and Asians have lower smoking rates, but as many as 24 percent of Native Americans smoke.
Health Issues
Smoking is hazardous to nearly every organ in your body, according to MayoClinic.com. Smoking tobacco is responsible in nine of every 10 lung cancer cases, and is a contributing factor to other cancers, including lip, mouth, throat and esophagus cancers. In addition, smoking may cause premature skin wrinkling and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Quitting
Although the health hazards of smoking are well known, many smokers have trouble kicking the habit. Help, in the form of nicotine replacement products, is available through prescription. Behavior modification techniques, support groups and dietary alterations may also be beneficial in helping smokers quit.
