It is estimated that tobacco has been around in the Americas since around 6,000 B.C. Cigarettes have been the main causes of many diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema. A statement by the World Health Organization said that the tobacco industry spends about 4 billion dollars every year advertising the product of tobacco. A majority of smokers have tried their first cigarette before the age of 18. Smoking introduces many short-term and long-term health problems to the body.
History
The University of Boston Medical Center said tobacco was first introduced to Europe in 1492 when Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas. Columbus traded with the Indians and received tobacco in return. When Columbus returned to Europe, tobacco became very popular because it was thought that the plant contained healing remedies. Tobacco was soon grown over all of Europe only a couple of years after Columbus' return from the Americas. It was not until 1964 when the Surgeon's General report on Smoking and Health came out that a warning label was put on cigarette packs.
Effects
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a single cigarette contains 4,000 different chemicals that are released in the body when a smoker smokes a cigarette. Many of the chemicals are very toxic and can be found in nail polish removers, rat poisons and wood varnish. Cigarettes can also contain mutagens which can cause permanent damage to the DNA in living cells. The mutagens are believed to be the cause of the various cancers due to cigarettes.
Warning
The World Health Organization says tobacco is responsible for around 440,000 American deaths every year. Three of the main diseases caused by cigarettes are cancer, emphysema and heart disease. Ninety percent of all lung cancer cases can be attributed to the smoking of cigarettes. Close to 30 percent of all cancer-related deaths can also be attributed to smoking cigarettes. The average smoker dies 15 to 20 years earlier than the average person that does not smoke.
Prevention/Solution
A person needs to stop smoking in order to reduce the risks of health issues due to cigarettes. Smoking is hard to quit due to the addictive chemical found in cigarettes called nicotine. Quitting takes a lot of will and a plan. It is best to set a date that is not stressful to stop smoking. People that smoke usually do it to relieve stress, therefore it is easier to start on a day that is not stressful.
Considerations
Joining a program or support group can be helpful when trying to quit smoking. Programs and support groups will help a former smoker stay on track with their plan to quit smoking. Changing a routine can help quit smoking by filling time with another activity other than smoking. The support of family and friends can be vital to staying on track and can give further motivation to stay away from smoking cigarettes.
