Imagine if cigarettes were never invented? The world would be a good place and smoking would not be a major problem today. This misbehavior has been observed to claim lives in every developed and developing nation. The predicament caused by this practice is quite extensive since it harms both smokers and non-smokers (or passive smokers). Smoking is a practice that should be avoided or controlled rigorously since it is a risk factor for diseases such as cancer, affects the health outcomes of direct and passive cigarette users, children, and pregnant women, and has negative economic implications. People who sell cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21 years should get arrested because they encourage them to engage in inappropriate behaviors. This study proposes a study that can be used to empower and sensitize people about the dangers of smoking.
Background
Smoking is depicted in engravings and on various types of pottery as early as the 9th century. In Ancient Greece, smoke was used as a healing practice. Over the years, many societies have continued to use cigarettes for various purposes or goals. Statistics reveal that the number of smokers has been increasing significantly (“What is psychological,” 2018). Smoking has numerous effects on people’s health. Experts acknowledge that more individuals will die prematurely in the future due to cigarette use. Smoking is something addictive, and cigarette users will require counseling and support before getting rid of the malpractice (Singh & Regenstein, n.d.). The misbehavior has the potential to increase the risk for cataracts.
Supportive Arguments for Addressing the Problem of Smoking
Studies have linked smoking to numerous health problems and premature deaths It is also one of the risk factors for conditions such as lung cancer (“The effects of smoking,” 2018). This is a serious condition and affects the largest percentage of smokers. The second argument is that the bodies of individuals who smoke continuously will get worse with time. This means that they will be exposed to various opportunistic conditions. From this analysis, it is quite clear that smoking has both short-term and long-term effects (“Smoking effects,” 2016). For instance, cigarette use can result in pulmonary conditions and stained fingers. Smokers will have breathing problems and be exposed to addictive substances. Lung functions also become impaired. Yellowing of teeth and bad breath are possible short-term effects of this malpractice. Long-term impacts include cancer, heart damage, and the death of blood cells. Consequently, smokers will record reduced life expectancies unless they quit. In the United States, statistics have revealed that around 500,000 citizens die annually due to cigarette use (Croghan, Aveyard, Griffin, & Cheng, 2003). This means that a total of 1,300 citizens lose their lives every day due to smoking.
The second reason why cigarette use should be dealt with is because of the passive smoking problem. Croghan et al. (2013) refer to “secondhand smoke” as the combination of smoke from lit cigarettes and user’s exhalation. Studies have revealed that secondhand smoke is one of the key factors in the development of lung cancer (Onor et al., 2017). Croghan et al. (2013) indicate that around 42,000 cases of cardiovascular diseases reported in the United States are related to passive smoking. Similarly, around 7,000 citizens die annually due to secondhand smoke. This is a clear indication that passive smoking is a major threat to the health outcomes of many people across the globe. Studies have also indicated that pregnant women exposed to this kind of smoke have increased chances of recording stillbirths and miscarriages. Ectopic pregnancies can also be caused by passive smoking (“Health effects,” 2017).
This means that smoking is something that causes numerous health challenges. Small children exposed to secondhand smoke will be at risk of numerous health problems such as cancer and heart attack. Their growth and developmental patterns can also be affected significantly. Onor et al. (2017) reveal that passive smoke is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Malpractice has also been observed to result in learning disabilities in many people exposed to secondhand smoke. Since many children do not have strong immunities, secondhand smoking can result in pulmonary and lung problems. This is the case because nicotine is toxic to underage individuals. Family members and relatives should, therefore, come up with appropriate strategies to protect children from secondhand smoke. Individuals who use cigarettes should avoid smoking in their houses. The most important thing is for individuals to quit smoking and overcome most of the above health problems.
The third challenge associated with smoking is that it affects teenagers and young adults. The malpractice makes it hard for them to associate with others efficiently or achieve their potential. Teenagers who smoke will have developmental problems and exhibit undesirable habits. Past studies have shown that increased cases of stroke and heart disease are being reported among young persons (Fox, 2018). For instance, teenagers and young adults were at risk of different conditions such as cancer. This misbehavior has been observed to result in psychological, emotional, and mental stress.
These outcomes make it hard for people to achieve their academic and social goals. Individuals who smoke at an early age will be unable to pursue their daily activities. They also record troubled relationships. Mental illnesses also become common in individuals who begin to smoke at an early age (“Secondhand smoke,” n.d.). Some of the common symptoms of mental illnesses in young smokers include anxiety, distraction, and sadness. With proper strategies and campaigns, different communities can encourage young people to abandon the malpractice (“The effects of smoking,” n.d.). This is the case because smoking can trigger various social, emotional, and psychological problems. Those who sell cigarettes to underage individuals must, therefore, be arrested. When such individuals are guided and supported, they will be in a position to achieve their potential and lead quality lives.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that smoking is a leading indicator of people’s health outcomes. This is the case because the malpractice affects direct cigarette users and passive smokers. These two groups are usually at risk of developing a wide range of health complications such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Pregnant women and young individuals are also affected by smoking. Within the next ten years, lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke will become a major health predicament. It might even be impossible for doctors to offer adequate support to lung cancer patients. I witnessed a scenario whereby a woman reported numerous health problems due to smoking. This observation is a grim reminder that cigarette use is something that will continue to affect the lives and health outcomes of many individuals across the globe. In conclusion, people should stop this malpractice and teach others to engage in positive health behaviors. This approach will improve their life expectancies and address a wide range of health problems affecting them.
References
Croghan, E., Aveyard, P., Griffin, C., & Cheng, K. K. (2003). The importance of social sources of cigarettes to school students. Tobacco Control, 12(1), 1-14.
The effects of smoking on teenagers and young adults. (2018). Web.
The effects of smoking. (n.d.). Web.
Fox, M. (2018). Just one cigarette raises heart disease risk, study finds. NBC News. Web.
Health effects of cigarette smoking.(2017). Web.
Onor, I. O., Stirling, D. L., Williams, S. R., Bediako, D., Borghol, A., Harris, M. B., … Sarpong, D. F. (2017). Clinical effects of cigarette smoking: Epidemeologic impact and review of pharmacotherapy options. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14, 1147-1162. Web.
Secondhand smoke explained. (n.d.). Web.
Singh, R. P., & Regenstein, J. M. (n.d.). History of smoking. Web.
Smoking effects on your body. (2016). Web.
What is psychological distress? (2018). Web.