My father is a smoker, as well as 3 out of 4 of my brothers, 2 out of 5 of my aunts and uncles, multiple cousins, and the majority of my close friends. This doesn't even include the 2 deaths that have occurred in my immediate family just recently due to lung cancer caused by this vicious attacker. The fact is simple: smoking kills. It's not even an abrupt death; it is slow and drawn-out, making sure you really feel the pain for your past irrevocable decisions. I've witnessed firsthand the uncontrollable processes that take place as my own flesh and blood lay hopelessly awaiting the day that this killer takes their lives. At that point, there's no turning back; the damage is done. 63 Reasons to Stop Smoking really spoke to me and I think it is important for others who have been impacted as I have as well as those individuals who smoke to view this content.
About 25% of Americans smoke. 400,000 smokers die each year. Smoking causes 1 out of 5 deaths in America. These statistics are haunting. The dangers of secondhand smoke can be devastating as well. Spuses of smokers are 20% more likely to contract lung cancer. As the picture above states, "children of parents who smoke, go to heaven earlier". This picture really touched home for me. Though my father does not smoke in the house, the toxins from the cigarettes still linger on his clothes and his body and come into our house and affect my families every day life. Also, children of parents who smoke often grow up to smoke as well. Parents often do not understand that their habits have such an immense effect on these children.
I am a very strong advocate of the promotion of effects of smoking. The Real Cost of Smoking video below offers a lot of important information about what happens internally as a result of smoking. Everyone should watch this video.
I really hope my father, as well as other smokers, see this post and realize what smoking is doing to their life and how it is impacting the lives of those around them.
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