Why do people are not quitting cigarette smoking?

@kreizhy (111)
Philippines
September 6, 2007 11:19pm CST
There are approxiamately 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of them toxic. The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body's immune system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread. Toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke travel throughout the body, causing damage in several ways. Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after smoke is inhaled. It has been found in every part of the body and in breast milk. Carbon monoxide binds of hemoglobin in red blodd cells, preventing affected cells from carrying a full load oxygen. Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke damage important genes that control the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to reproduce too rapidly. The carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers. Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections. There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does damage. One is oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis and leads to chronic lung injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be the general mechanism behind the aging process, contributing to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and COPD. The body produces antioxidants to help repair damaged cells. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood than nonsmokers. Smoking is associated with higher levels of chronic inflammation, another damaging process that may result in oxidative stress. If these are all the effects, but still why the Philippine Government allows the importation of cigarettes?
1 person likes this
1 response
• India
7 Sep 07
The most common reasons: 1. They are addicted & need counseling to quit. 2. They feel that smoking relieves them from tensions. 3. They feel some kind of a unseen strength coming to them from smoking. 4. How much ever negative marking from the NGOs/Govt. doesn't work as they over look it! 5. Some smoke as they feel it is a status symbol. 6. Some do it to make friends with common interest. So there are many reasons. I guess serious counseling to change the mindset can help curb smoking. But then nothing is guaranteed as "it deals with the mind of the smoker". Only if he/she makes up the mind - they will be able to stop it.