We’ve all heard the spiel. Cigarettes are harmful to the body, they smell bad, they’ll turn your lungs black, etc, etc, etc. While all of these reasons are obviously very powerful facts that should deter most people from smoking, after a while, they all start to sound monotonous and, if you’re anything like me, they may start to lose their punch. I personally have never been a smoker, but these other lesser known facts resolidified my resolve to never pick up the pack. If you are a smoker, who knows, maybe this will help be a push down the path of quitting. Maybe they’ll just be “the more you know” facts that may or may not come up in conversation one day. Whatever the result, here are 11 lesser known reasons of why smoking is bad for not only you, but everyone around you.
1. It can cause you to go blind.
Yes, you read that correctly. Smoking cigarettes for long periods of time can actually cause you to suffer from macular degeneration, thanks to a tobacco-induced restriction of blood flow to your retinas. So next time you’re outside for a smoke break, maybe consider taking a look around and thinking about how the stick in your hand could cause you to lose the ability to do just that. (Krans 1)
2. It increases effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to a recent study, smoking cigarettes at any age not only significantly increases a person’s likeliness of suffering from Alzheimer’s, but also increases the rate of memory loss up to five times the rate of non-smokers. This study was performed on people 65 years old or older, so younger smokers may think that this fact doesn’t apply to them, but it in fact still does, or at least will in only a matter of time. Do your future self a favor. Avoid it now. (Laino 1)
3. It increases risk of colic in newborns.
Alright moms, this one is for you. If you have a baby who is already colicky, or if you just value your night’s sleep and don’t want to risk it, it’s best to keep your baby away from second hand smoking as much as possible. Aside from other obvious issues that come with babies being exposed to second hand smoke, their likelihood of suffering from colic jumps significantly thanks to an increase in a gut hormone called motilin that has been linked to cigarette smoke. Trust me, colicky babies are no fun at all. Just… Don’t do it. (Laino 1)
4. It can cause erectile disfunction.
I feel like this one doesn’t need much explanation. It’s bad news. The end. (Laino 1)
5. Quitting makes your everyday life easier.
Smoking doesn’t just impact those who do it in dramatic, life-changing ways. Smoking cigarettes sneaks into the everyday in little ways that maybe you won’t think about, but after quitting, they make a big difference. You smell better. Your immune system kicks back into gear so you’ll feel better. You can run a block again without coughing and wheezing.. Little things that make a big difference.
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, but is it bad enough to quit? That’s on you, but maybe these little facts will help aid in making that decision.
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By Emily Powell
Erectile dysfunction is without doubt a good enough reason
