Quit Smoking!
I know. This is obvious, right? Well, I have delayed sharing this ‘health tip’ for a long time because it does seem so obvious. I mean, it has been decades since the FDA put a warning on cigarette packaging in an attempt to deter smoking. But, a situation the other day shoved this tip to the top of my list.
I was leaving work and saw a young, co-worker unlocking her bicycle with a long cig hanging off of her lips. I was taken by surprise and asked her why/when she started smoking. She replied. “Oh, it’s my new thing.” :O!! She is not the only intelligent, informed 20 something person I know who has recently taken up this nasty, life-and-health-altering habit. What is going on?
They are beyond the age of peer pressure. They have heard the compelling research against smoking. They don’t need to rebel against their parents. I don’t get it.
Smoking is a proven CAUSAL factor in many health issues including cancer, and has devastating ramifications personally and collectively in every area of our society; financial, economical, environmental, biological, psychological, emotional, relational, etc. I understand the issues of free will and personal choice especially when a decision solely affects the decision maker. On the surface smoking looks like it falls into the personal choice category. But, peel one thin layer away and the nicotine and dozens of other harmful chemicals included in a single cigarette are blown in the face of each family member, friend and tax payer as we all pay the hidden costs associated with smoking.
For your body. For your health. For the struggling health care system. For your loved ones. For Pete’s sake. Please stop smoking!
P.S. If you decide to smoke, please keep your windows closed and take care of your butts and don’t throw out a burning cigarette for the rest of us to breathe in.