Smoking Kills — Yet Smokers do not stop smoking
Smoking and Why Smoking Kills
Smoking is a practice that involves inhaling the smoke of burning tobacco, and it is a major public health issue worldwide. The primary reasons smoking is detrimental to health relate to its composition and the physiological effects it has on the body.
Health Risks of Smoking
Toxic Chemical Exposure: Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing). The most notorious among them is nicotine, which is highly addictive.
Respiratory Issues: Smoking damages the respiratory system, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The tar in cigarette smoke accumulates in the lungs and impairs their function.
Cardiovascular Disease: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure, while other chemicals contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Cancer: There is a strong connection between smoking and various types of cancer, most notably lung cancer. Smokers are also at a higher risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, and pancreas.
Immunity and Healing: Smoking weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and slowing down the healing processes of wounds.
Why Smokers Do Not Stop Smoking
Despite the well-documented risks associated with smoking, many smokers find it challenging to quit. Here are some reasons:
Addiction: Nicotine is a powerful addictive substance that creates physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, cravings, and anxiety, make quitting difficult.
Habitual Behavior: Smoking often becomes a habitual activity associated with certain routines, such as having coffee or taking breaks. This conditioning makes it harder for smokers to break the cycle.
Social Influences: In some social circles, smoking is a normative behavior. Peer pressure or social bonding over smoking can reinforce the habit, making it challenging to quit.
Stress Relief: Many smokers use cigarettes as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. The temporary relief they feel can create a strong attachment to the habit.
Misinformation and Beliefs: Some smokers may underestimate the risks of smoking or believe that they can quit at any time. This belief can lead to complacency about their health.
Quitting smoking is undoubtedly a significant challenge, but it is achievable with the right support, resources, and motivation. Educating individuals about the health risks and offering tools for cessation can empower them to take the step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Team Jeevalaya Research is presently to identify why Natives are tempted towards fire and smoke and can we prove it mathematically what is causing the same. Once we know the reason for the temptation can we articulate the trend or timeline for remediation of the root cause and how we can assist in providing the right support for such deaddiction’s.
