Lung Cancer From Second Hand Smoke example essay topic

974 words
Once I quit smoking, I knew it was the right thing to do. The average smoker will greatly benefit from successful quitting for these reasons: risks of cancer are significantly reduced, physical endurance can be regained, and your life span will cease to shorten. 390,000 people died last year. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 400,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $75 billion in direct medical costs. Nationally, smoking results in more than 5.6 million years of potential life lost each year. Most people who begin smoking are in high school or college, but some begin at a younger age.

Every day, nearly 5,000 young people under the age of 18 try their first cigarette, and approximately 80% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18 (New York Times). Moreover, 6.4 million children living today will die prematurely because of a decision they will make as adolescents - the decision to smoke cigarettes (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion). On the bright side, high schools and colleges across America are banning smoking on campuses, and colleges are making dormitories non-smoking; not just for fire safety. In addition, many colleges are also banning college students from charging cigarettes onto their campus cards. Some young people tend to believe that smoking "low-tar, low-nicotine" cigarettes will make a difference. In essence, this usually does little good.

Because nicotine is so addictive, if you switch to lower-nicotine brands you " ll likely just puff harder, longer, and more often on each cigarette. The only safe choice is to quit completely (Web MD). Doctors deal with the long-term effects of smoking every day since there are so many hospitalized from smoking. 540 billion cigarettes are consumed each year. If you are a smoker, did you know you are smoking 300 poisons? The top four poisons you " re most likely smoking are: Arsenic, Cyanide, Carbon Monoxide, and Formaldehyde -- you know, the fluid used to preserve dead bodies.

The sad thing is, you probably didn't know that when you were smoking your first cigarette. Disturbing yet true, 30% of cancer deaths are linked to smoking. The most common cancers caused by smoking are: lung cancer, larynx cancer, heart cancer, oral cavity cancer, esophagus cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer and or failure, pancreas cancer, and stomach cancer. Last but not least, non-smokers have been known to get lung cancer from second hand smoke. Fifty million Americans smoke. You know you " ve been trying to quit smoking for a long time, and believe me, there are many benefits that come from quitting.

One benefit is the money you will save. Add up all the money you didn't spend on cigarettes, lighters and cough drops. According to Smoker's Anonymous, In twenty-five years, each smoker could have had an estimated $28,000 dollars of free spending money. And for hospitalized smokers who are dying, each one spends an estimated amount of $10,100 dollars a year on their prolonged death.

Another benefit you will instantly regain is your sense of smell. Full time smokers lose their sense of smell up to 20% after one year of smoking (New York Times). Also, you will regain your endurance. A few high school football players at my school started smoking their sophomore year. They either got demoted to a lower string on their team or quit. Still in denial as to why their football careers are gone, smoking is the root of their problem; it ruined their lung capacity.

It is also effecting others that have to be around their bad habit. Most importantly, one should quit for the most obvious reason. Cancer is nearly a guarantee if you never quit smoking. There is no "loophole" when it comes to quitting: chewing tobacco and snuff are proven to be more harmful or equal to the long-term effects smoking. Quitting is the only answer.

When I quit smoking, my withdrawal symptoms were horrendous. Constantly coughing up toxins and phlegm from my lungs was quite painful, but it was definitely worth it. Whenever I am around second hand smoke, I am very pleased with my choice because I am not the one making a stink. My car smells better, my respiratory system is performing better while I am playing sports. I don't have to waste time by going outside once an hour to smoke, and I'm saving a good grip of cash.

Smoking takes away from your attention span when you get a craving; now it is easier for me to stay focused. Everyone should take action on the problem of smoking. By not smoking, you can make yourself and others feel delighted and in control. You are stronger than the cigarette. (The End) Grade from English 121 Professor: A- Health -- Quit Smoking Outline Thesis: Once I quit smoking, I knew it was the right thing to do. The average smoker will greatly benefit from successful quitting for these reasons: risks of cancer are significantly reduced, physical endurance can be regained, and your life span will increase. I. Statistics A. How many people smoke B. Mortality rates II.

High School and College Life A. Starting rates B. Colleges make dorms and campuses non-smoking C. Colleges ban cigarette purchases on campus cards. Long Term A. Wrinkles, decreased lung capacity B. Cancers C. Lifespan IV. Benefits to Quit A. Money B. Smell and nose C. Reduced risk to cancer, aging D. Endurance & Lung capacity web.