Cigarette Smoking Risks and Benefits?

When I was a boy, a man of fifty years was a Grandpa type and most men were gone at 65. Back in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, everyone smoked but not that many died from it simply because they didn’t live long enough to die of lung related illness. Whenever nicotine is involved, the diseases enter and the life span drops. My gosh, nicotine is the only drug that kills almost all of its users (80%). Are there any benefits from smoking?
Well, sorta.

In a study, it was found that smokers performed at a higher level in the workplace than non smokers. It would be reasonable since tobacco is a stimulant. Smoking also helps people with bowel activity. Again, the activity of a stimulant. But how many years of smoking until the very bad results appear? Then comes the massive insurance bill and that hard working smoker just cost the corporation a half a million dollars.

So I saw my dad through his athletic youth and middle age, all as a smoker, and then at 68, he had that first attack and from then on, the COPD slowly and surely took his life in 10 long years. At 95 pounds, he still had some fire, some spunk. He was a very brave man. But he died a horrible and slow, gasping death. We were both combat veterans. When I gave his funeral address, I said that my dad died of a dangerous drug, nicotine.

I think you all know that smoking has no real benefit in health and wellness and the reason people do it is because they are hooked. Sounds like heroin or something. Well, it is. Nicotine is about equal to heroin in terms of how difficult it is to quit. So if you smoke and know it’s time to quit, I’ve got some answers. Here’s a kicker. The laser permanently stopped smoking in 80% of people involved in a German study. The laser treatment stops the physical craving for nicotine, which is more than half the battle. In my own experience, I just watched 3 people get the laser one time and never smoke again. All had smoked for decades. I highly suggest you research the laser treatment in your area. It costs Three Hundred dollars in the Midwest so the investment is minimal compared to the benefit.

So, at the end of the day, there are really no benefits to smoking aside from temporary, stinky pleasure. And it is not pleasurable to have a nagging craving that is barely eased and soon returns hour after hour and year after year. I find that when people really want to quit, they are able to by any means. Get your mind right first and then go after health and wellness in your life. Keep checking these blogs and fitnesslifeline.com for all of your fitness and health needs. I am always here to serve you.


My best to you, Jumpin' Jeff