News, Smoking Shortens Lives 10 Years. (heart, very expensive, cost, aching)

[John1960]

If you smoke, start thinking of yourself as a decade older than you really are. A 55-year-old man who smokes has almost the same chance of dying in the next 10 years as a 65-year-old who's never smoked — a stark example from newly published charts that aim to put some of Americans' biggest health risks into context.

Newsmax.com - Smoking Shortens Lives 10 Years

[Nelly Nomad]

Scary stuff, isn't it, John. If the money doesn't help to encourage one to stop (holy smokes [pun intended ], cigarettes are expensive nowadays!!!), perhaps the info you've posted will.

As a side note, one thing I've heard is that quitting *can* reverse "aging effect". I don't have the time to research it now (maybe someone can find some data to back this up?), but from the way I understand it, the longer you go smoke-free, the more you can reduce that "add 10 years" issue.

After a certain number of years smoke-free, it will be as if you'd never smoked at all. As an ex-smoker (quit a pack-a-day habit nearly 25 years ago and haven't had even one puff since), I certainly hope that's true!

[myrc60]

Good for you Nelly Nomad. However, many smokers don't want to quit regardless of the scare tactics that are being used. Smokes aren't very expensive where I live; it is one reason we picked this state. I am a smoker; if I decide to quit that is my decision; quit trying to influence me! Your words are wasted!

[Nelly Nomad]

Whoa there, Myrc . I wasn't trying to preach to you nor was I trying to influence you or anyone else. I was merely stating my own opinions regarding smoking and smoking cessation. I was thinking that for those who may be pondering quitting, perhaps this info may help them make the decision. I probably should have made that clear in my post. I assumed it was a given.

I know not all smokers want to quit.

You are absolutely correct; if you want to smoke, it is 100% your business. It will only become my business if you smoke around me or my child, if you ask me to pay for your cigarettes or if I have to pay for any issues that come about as a result of your smoking. Otherwise, it's NONE of my business .

As far as the cost of cigarettes is concerned, I (me, personally) think they're expensive, especially compared to what they cost when I was smoking (under $1 per pack, if I recall). However, it is YOUR money and you can spend it on anything your heart desires. Far be it from me to try to tell you where to spend or not spend your hard-earned cash.

Trust me, I know ex-smokers, like ex-drinkers, can be a militant bunch, preaching to anyone within earshot about the horrors of the habit. Not me. Your life, your body, your money, do with it what you will .

Ok, better?

[myrc60]

Thank you, Nelly Nomad. I didn't mean all of that for you though. Smokers are picked on IMO more than illegal aliens. We know all the horror stories and for some they are true. I have relatives that lived nearly 80 years even though they smoked. What happens to some doesn't happen to all because they smoke.