Is smoking big and clever?
There was a time when every movie star and teenage rebel was lighting up, but then some bright spark worked out that smoking was the main cause of lung cancer.
Today roughly 13 million UK adults smoke, with slightly more men (27% of the male population) than women (25%) puffing away. This is almost half the number smoking in 1974. While the association of smoking and coolness has dissipated to an extent, TheSite wonders whether it really is cool to smoke...
The case for
Most smokers are between 20 and 34, with 35% of both genders lighting up. Nearly 25% of UK 15 year olds are also regular smokers, with about 450 kids a day starting smoking and over 80% of adult smokers starting in their teens. But what is the appeal?
It's cool: Most of our idols smoke and past icons always did. On the silver screen, on album covers, MTV or snapped at the glitterati's hotspots they'll be there with a burning white stick in their mouths and an aura of coolness drifting through the smoke rings.
It's sexy: Despite or in spite of the health warnings there's still something about smoking that screams sex appeal, maybe it's the oral fixation, or maybe the thought of lighting up after a passionate romp beneath the sheets but whatever IT is, it's there. There is also the air of the rebel associated with it, the Marlon Brando bad boys and girls of today. I mean look at Sandra D, she didn't get sex appeal until she slipped into some PVC and lit up a fag.
It's sociable: Later in life the cigarette replaces the good old cuppa for that chance to share a social moment or two as we mutter office gossip in conspiratorial tones, huddled in a doorway in the rain. It also goes well with beer, as many a failing quitter will tell you down the pub.
It 'calms your nerves': While this is untrue, many people believe smoking helps to keep them calm, relieving stress and nervousness. In actual fact tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which has a stimulating effect on the body.
It helps you lose weight/ stay slim: Yet another myth here, for while smoking may take the edge off your appetite, it is a dangerous way to diet and will leave you with more health problems than beauty benefits. Exercise would be better instead.
The case against
But if the above is true why are 20% of men and 27% of women in the UK ex-smokers and why do 70% of current smokers want to give up? Mainly due to a greater awareness of the issues outlined below...
Health: Approximately 120,000 smokers die each year because of their vice, and about 50% of all regular long-term smokers will be killed by their habit. It is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths, 17% of all heart disease fatalities and about 80% of deaths from bronchitis. People who smoke also double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK.
Sex: Smoking two high tar cigarettes in a short period of time reduces blood flow through the penis by a third. Studies suggest that up to 120,000 men have already made themselves impotent through smoking.
Love: Recent research suggests that people who smoke are over 50% more likely than non-smokers to have serious relationship problems, including a greater likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression.
Cash: In one decade, a 20-a-day smoker will blow around twenty thousand pounds on cigarettes.
Self-esteem: Smokers are more likely to suffer from lower self-esteem than non-smokers. In a recent survey by the Health Education Authority, 17% of smokers planned to drop out before taking their GCSE's, compared to just 10% of non-smokers. Stench: Cigarettes, especially stale cigarettes, do not a nice smell maketh. Clothes, hair, home and breath probably reek and this isn't the biggest turn-on in the world.
(*Statistics from the Department of Health and ASH)
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