How many smokers do we have? (blood, disease)

[michel]

News

www.ntlworld.com



Smokers warned habit can literally cost arm and leg

31/08/2005 08:49

Smokers have been warned that their habit could end up costing an arm and a leg, as the risk of peripheral arterial disease is 16 times greater.

According to campaigners, awareness of PAD, which affects the circulation of blood in the main arteries, was low.

Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) has published a report highlighting the consequences of the disease which is mainly caused by smoking.

The habit narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to reach some parts of the body.

Though this can sometimes lead to amputations, the greatest risk for people with PAD is a heart attack or stroke.

Deborah Arnott, director of Ash, said: "Quite literally, smoking can cost an arm and a leg if people with arterial disease don't stop smoking.

"Despite the fact that thousands of people are diagnosed with this disorder every year, PAD is a little understood consequence of smoking.

"Doctors and health professionals should warn patients who smoke of the risk of arterial disease and offer them advice on ways to quit."

The report said that around 2.7 million people in the UK over the age of 55 have some degree of PAD.

[robtex]

me non-smoker..hey michel can you throw a poll on this thread?

[michel]

already did - good Idea Rob!

[cardero]

Smoker about half a pack a day. It just may be the way I decide to leave this existence.

[Halcyon]

I have fairly strong opinions on smoking because my father died from lung cancer.

Nowadays I often use it as a judge of intelligence/character. Older people, i feel have a bit of an excuse for smoking, because they have probably been addicted for years. But when i see people my age (20's) and younger take up smoking, i feel they must be innately stupid - they know it will do them harm, and that it is addictive and that it will kill you, yet they do it anyway to look 'cool'. When i see people my age smoking i consider them to be sheep with the will power of gnats, and i will often avoid talking to them.

[robtex]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I. But when i see people my age (20's) and younger take up smoking, i feel they must be innately stupid - they know it will do them harm, and that it is addictive and that it will kill you, yet they do it anyway to look 'cool'. When i see people my age smoking i consider them to be sheep with the will power of gnats, and i will often avoid talking to them.

Interesting sterotype. I would love to know the reasons people take up smoking. I have a friend who goes to mexico to see family a few times a year. He says that in the villas a large percentage of the men smoke but none of the women. He was curious so he inquired about it and found out that smoking is seen as macho but in the same breath (like my pun!) that it was not considered feminine to smoke.

If anybody posts on here it would be cool to know why you started.

[Green Gaia]

Don't smoke, have never smoked, although I did try it once, didn't like it. I can't stand the smell and the health risks are not worth it, imo.

[cardero]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I have fairly strong opinions on smoking because my father died from lung cancer.

Nowadays I often use it as a judge of intelligence/character. Older people, i feel have a bit of an excuse for smoking, because they have probably been addicted for years. But when i see people my age (20's) and younger take up smoking, i feel they must be innately stupid - they know it will do them harm, and that it is addictive and that it will kill you, yet they do it anyway to look 'cool'. When i see people my age smoking i consider them to be sheep with the will power of gnats, and i will often avoid talking to them.

There are now anti-smoking ads in comic books geared towards this age generation that are very effective. Truth.com being the most recognized, they do not pull back their punches.