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By Joey Abelson August 20, 2008
Long-Term Effects of Cigarette Smoking
While the short-term effects of smoking, such as annoying odor and yellow teeth, are noticeable and pernicious in and of themselves, the real dangers of tobacco cigarettes are only realized in the long term, often with serious health complications. This is one of the reasons that it is so hard to quit; while many tobacco cigarette users are aware that smoking is not good for them, most cannot see any immediate reasons to stop, and thus, often continue until those long-term effects are fully realized.
The Cough
Long-term effects of tobacco cigarette smoking range from constant coughing to cancer, heart disease, and a cluster of other medical problems. Though most heavy tobacco cigarette smokers develop that distinctive cough long before other health effects become apparent, it is sometimes seen as just a minor side effect of tobacco cigarettes in no way comparable to more severe health problems. In fact, this so-called "smoker's cough" can easily develop into Emphysema and even lung disease over the course of a few decades.
Additional Lung Problems with Cigarette Smoking
As breathing problems continue to get worse, so will the condition of the respiratory and circulatory organs. Smoking has been shown to have a degenerative effect on both the appearance and function of the lungs and bronchial tubes, but smokers often ignore early signs of lung disease because they are used to a certain amount of breathing problems. COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, is one of the major killers of smokers around the world, but it is often diagnosed after effective measures can be taken to save a smoker's life. Another, more recognizable form of lung disease is even deadlier. Lung cancer, which can be attributed to smoking more than 87% of the time, occurs when malignant cells within the lung walls or bronchial tubes begin to divide uncontrollably. Frequently, these cancerous cells can invade other parts of the body, leading to large-scale infection. Although it is currently the leading cancer killer among women, lung cancer can affect men just as easily.
Total System Failure
Tobacco cigarettes are not only dangerous to the lungs, however. Smoking also has long-term effects on the general circulatory system, including the blood vessels, heart, and brain. In addition to high blood pressure, smokers have an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and aneurysms. Tobacco cigarettes can also lead to cancers of the gums, lips, throat, and larynx. Switching to chewing tobacco does nothing to help, since these delicate tissues will still directly absorb many carcinogens. Tobacco smoking affects nearly every system in the body and has even been known to cause sexual dysfunction and tooth decay.
The Damage to Others
Not only do smokers inflict these health problems on themselves, but they can also affect their loved ones. Second hand smoke is now recognized as one of the biggest dangers of smoking, simply because while most smokers are always aware of what tobacco smoke can do to their own bodies, they are less aware of the impact it has on other people. The FDA has recently ruled that, as with direct cigarette smoke, there is no safe amount of exposure to second hand smoke. Even when there are no children or people with health problems present, the very act of cigarette smoking can cause long-term effects on the general health of society -- smokers and non-smokers alike.
A Viable Healthier Smoking Alternative
Clearly, the long term effects of cigarette smoking are many, and they are very negative, but short of quitting altogether, there arena_Tt many options for reducing your chances of developing tobacco-related health problems. Fortunately, a new alternative smoking device called Fifty-One™ may help reduce the long-term effects of many smoking problems. A safer product means that you can not only smoke around people without having to worry about making them sick, but you no longer have to feel guilty with regard to your own health either. Classified as an electronic cigarette, Fifty-One™ is safer than tobacco because of the chemicals it contains -- or rather, does not contain. Unlike a tobacco cigarette, Fifty-One™ delivers only one chemical -- nicotine -- with no other dangerous tar or additives. When you use it, however, it feels very much like you are actually smoking. When you inhale on an electronic cigarette, the battery activates an LED that heats the vapor mixture contained in the e-cig cartridge. Though it is odorless, it looks and feels like tobacco cigarette smoke, at least to the person who is using it. What is breathed in and out is largely water vapor, but it does contain a small amount of propylene glycol to give it its color and consistency. Since Fifty-One™ offers users several different levels of nicotine cartridges, you can make sure you get exactly the amount you need, decreasing the risk the risk of second hand smoke monumentally. With Fifty-One™, you can enjoy smoking anywhere, without having to worry about whether it is permitted.
The English parliament has recently ruled that electronic cigarettes pose no second hand smoke risk and are therefore legal to smoke even inside public buildings. Other countries are debating the place of this product as well. Imagine being able to smoke at work, in a restaurant, or in your car, even with your kids around without wondering about what kind of damage you might be doing to yourself and those around you. Next to overcoming an addiction to nicotine, switching to Fifty-One™ is the most health-conscious move you can make. Unlike tobacco cigarette smoking, the vapor mixture produced by an electronic cigarette is not harsh on the lungs and does not contain any of the carcinogens. This means that they are safer, not only because of the different chemical composition, but also because they allow you to smoke without the long-term effects of pulling gas into your lungs. Fifty-One™ is also less dangerous to your mouth and throat. Tar is the major chemical associated with diseases of this area, which electronic cigarettes do not contain. Switching to Fifty-One™ will also do a lot for the general condition of your teeth and gums. Much of the difficulty of being a smoker today comes from medical studies and social policies. While it might not be possible to create a completely safe cigarette smoking product, electronic cigarettes come close. They allow you to calm your nerves anywhere, no matter who is around. Fifty-One™ is safer for you -- which means less risk of long-term health effects -- and does not pose any danger to those around you. Try an electronic cigarette today to see how this alternative smoking device can really clear the air.
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