A small warning label is all that is stamped to each pack of cigarettes. This small label
placed there by the cigarette manufactures is supposed to alert smokers to the health dangers of
smoking. While all smokers know that this label exists, many choose to ignore it and take the
risk on their health anyways.
According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
CDC, “Smoking is the primary causal factor for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, for nearly 80%
of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and for early cardiovascular disease and
deaths.”(Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Years of Potential Life Lost, and Productivity Losses
- United States, 2000--2004.)
All though smoker’s know that cigarette smoking can lead to cancer, cardiovascular
disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and death. Many smokers do not know that
smoking also affects other parts of the body such as their circulatory system, by damaging the
lining of their arteries. Damaging of the arteries can lead to both problems with blood pressure
and heart rate. Smoking also affects blood flow to extremities, causing less oxygenated blood to
reach your hands and feet. More importantly smoking increases your risk of stroke and heart
attack (Smoking - Effects on Your Body. Better Health Channel.)
Smoker’s immune systems also take a big hit. In my experience when cold and flu
season arrives, I try to be extra cautious when it comes to being around the sick when I’m at
work. I make sure to wash my hands constantly, and wear a mask when I know I will be entering
a room with a sick patient. As a smoker, I know that if I catch a cold or the flu, my illness will be
more severe and recovery time from these illnesses will be a lot longer due to the effect that
smoking has on my immune system. Smoking weakens the immune system by depressing
antibodies and cells that are in the body to protect against foreign...