Why do people start smoking in the first place? In Irene Glasser's thought-provoking book, Anthropology of Addictions and Recovery, she writes that in view of a 50% reduction in cigarette smoking in the U.S.(since 1965), tobacco companies are "searching for inventive ways to recruit new smokers." Their marketing strategies have focused on target groups: those most susceptible to beginning to smoke or those most likely to maintain the smoking habit. Impressionable youth, the homeless, and people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness are the object of considerable targeted marketing. I have firsthand knowledge that kids are eager participants of smoking. Fitting in, feeling a part of, and having something to do are all motivations to start smoking for kids. Glasser directs us to the advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for more information about tobacco marketing methods aimed at kids, preventative action opportunities, U.S. and worldwide statistics and current legislation.
When I began smoking it was still perceived as a sophisticated activity, complete with fancy cigarette holders and lighters, glamorously depicted on television and in the movies. It was the glory days of The Marlboro Man and commercials with young people having lots of fun by clear mountain streams smoking Kool or Salem - one of the popular menthol brands.
Although the Surgeon General's warning was a rather tepid "Smoking may be hazardous to your health" when I started, I didn't pay much heed through the following years as the warnings became more extreme.
Thinking a "clean x-ray" was indicative of good lung heath was a mistaken notion on my part. A PFT (pulmonary function test) is required to assess the damage. Breathing is a precious commodity and I've had to teach myself how to do it more effectively as a result. There are a variety of breathing exercises that help us learn to breathe our way to improved health and reduce stress. Two options are called Diaphragmatic Breathing and Pursed Lip Breathing and when used in conjunction with specific sitting, standing and sleeping positions, these methods help reduce shortness of breath.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute launched the Breathe Better Network in 2007 and a national campaign, COPD Learn More Breathe Better® has grown to more than 70 members in 47 states. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US with 12 million currently diagnosed as having COPD and it is estimated just as many don't know they have the disease.
The American Lung Association provides the staggering statistics on preventable deaths in our country and states "... Tragically, each day thousands of kids still pick up a cigarette for the first time. The cycle of addiction, illness and death continues."
We have to wake up to the reality that smoking offers no redeeming qualities. Whatever short term gain we may think we realize is NOT worth the years we cut off our life.
In addition to health and wellness interests, Terry Lynne Hale runs a freelance writing and desktop publishing business, care2shareNOW. Her passion for the Internet fueled the writing of her first book, Ageless Internet - Internet Basics for Boomers and Seniors. Please visit AgelessInternet.com for more information. Providing quality quit smoking writings, articles and reviews online.
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