So apparently Cigarettes aren't bad for you

I was listening to a conversation on the Bus from a Guy who believes Cigarettes don't kill you. I nearly choked a chuckle, I didn't want to offend him. Why do people believe that Cigarettes are harmless, and why do people start smoking anyways?Mesden

Well that goes to show the quickly devolving intelligence of many people in this world today...

Cigarettes don't kill you. The cancer and other medical problems they cause kill you. :oops:

Sure if you like bad breath, having a dry mouth, smelling like crap after a smoke, becomming depended on a smoke for relaxation, etc. go ahead and smoke.

It's perfectly good for you.

I'm a heavy smoker, and I'm not going to try to convince anyone that smoking is harmless. That said, I WILL say that I believe the statistics are perhaps skewed slightly in favor of making smoking look worse than it actually is. You always hear about how many people die each year as a result of smoking-related illnesses, but you never hear about how many smokers there are, so you have no real way of deducing what percentage of smokers are actually dieing from smoking-related illnesses. There are a lot of heavy smokers in the world who will not die from a smoking-related illness, a lot of heavy smokers who will live full lives, so even though I cannot argue that smoking is harmless, I'll continue to smoke anyways.jalexbrown

And of course cigarettes are technically bad for you but so is alcohol and millions more do that too.

well obviously that guy doesn't know what he's talking about. but i think a few a day is alright. this last semester, for my ksu 1101 class (class all the freshmen at my college have to take) we had to do an online quiz thing about our lifestyles, and one of the questions was "do you smoke more than half a pack of cigarettes a day?" which lead me to believe that if smoking 3 or 4 cigarettes a day (maybe even almost half a pack) was bad enough for you to make a difference, they would have used a lower number than "half a pack."

Sure if you like bad breath, having a dry mouth, smelling like crap after a smoke, becomming depended on a smoke for relaxation, etc. go ahead and smoke.

It's perfectly good for you.

WushuFighter

I'm a heavy smoker, and I'm not going to try to convince anyone that smoking is harmless. That said, I WILL say that I believe the statistics are perhaps skewed slightly in favor of making smoking look worse than it actually is. You always hear about how many people die each year as a result of smoking-related illnesses, but you never hear about how many smokers there are, so you have no real way of deducing what percentage of smokers are actually dieing from smoking-related illnesses. There are a lot of heavy smokers in the world who will not die from a smoking-related illness, a lot of heavy smokers who will live full lives, so even though I cannot argue that smoking is harmless, I'll continue to smoke anyways.jalexbrown

Trust me I get where you're coming from. I was a heavy smoker for over 4 years. But when you really step back and look at the pros and cons of it, it just seems so completely pointless to do it in the first place. That's why I quit. Not just the health dangers (which you CAN NOT deny, just read the ingredients in cigs), but also the smell, the discoloration of my teeth, and the skyrocketing prices. Since I've quit smoking, I've started saving an extra 150 to 200 every month. I can breathe a lot easier and I don't have to smell that ashtray smell all the time anymore. I know most smokers will say it relaxes them and that's why they do it (that's what I used to say), but how much are you really willing to sacrifice in the end for a ten minute occasional head buzz. Just smoke pot. Far less harmful to your system and you actually have fun on it.

[QUOTE="jalexbrown"]I'm a heavy smoker, and I'm not going to try to convince anyone that smoking is harmless. That said, I WILL say that I believe the statistics are perhaps skewed slightly in favor of making smoking look worse than it actually is. You always hear about how many people die each year as a result of smoking-related illnesses, but you never hear about how many smokers there are, so you have no real way of deducing what percentage of smokers are actually dieing from smoking-related illnesses. There are a lot of heavy smokers in the world who will not die from a smoking-related illness, a lot of heavy smokers who will live full lives, so even though I cannot argue that smoking is harmless, I'll continue to smoke anyways.Murj

And of course cigarettes are technically bad for you but so is alcohol and millions more do that too.

Trust me I get where you're coming from. I was a heavy smoker for over 4 years. But when you really step back and look at the pros and cons of it, it just seems so completely pointless to do it in the first place. That's why I quit. Not just the health dangers (which you CAN NOT deny, just read the ingredients in cigs), but also the smell, the discoloration of my teeth, and the skyrocketing prices. Since I've quit smoking, I've started saving an extra 150 to 200 every month. I can breathe a lot easier and I don't have to smell that ashtray smell all the time anymore. I know most smokers will say it relaxes them and that's why they do it (that's what I used to say), but how much are you really willing to sacrifice in the end for a ten minute occasional head buzz. Just smoke pot. Far less harmful to your system and you actually have fun on it.

MystikFollower

Because smokers derive pleasure from a nicotine hit... it gives the sense of relaxation.

[QUOTE="MystikFollower"]

Trust me I get where you're coming from. I was a heavy smoker for over 4 years. But when you really step back and look at the pros and cons of it, it just seems so completely pointless to do it in the first place. That's why I quit. Not just the health dangers (which you CAN NOT deny, just read the ingredients in cigs), but also the smell, the discoloration of my teeth, and the skyrocketing prices. Since I've quit smoking, I've started saving an extra 150 to 200 every month. I can breathe a lot easier and I don't have to smell that ashtray smell all the time anymore. I know most smokers will say it relaxes them and that's why they do it (that's what I used to say), but how much are you really willing to sacrifice in the end for a ten minute occasional head buzz. Just smoke pot. Far less harmful to your system and you actually have fun on it.

jalexbrown

No doubt. Everyone is allowed to make their choices. I had to explain myself all the time which got tiresome so I understand what you mean. I even indulge in a little alcohol drinking from time to time so I can't rag on smokers. I can only tell them how much of a more positive direction my life's taken since quitting. But for some people the juice is worth the squeeze so to speak :).

I was listening to a conversation on the Bus from a Guy who believes Cigarettes don't kill you. I nearly choked a chuckle, I didn't want to offend him. Why do people believe that Cigarettes are harmless, and why do people start smoking anyways?Mesden

If people try hard enough, they can convince themselves to believe anything. (hence, the fellow on the bus...)

Everyone I know who smokes knows it's bad for them. They just don't seem too determined to kick the habit, even though they would like too.

I smoke rarely. When I do, I get a crazy buzz. It's awesome. I assume that it's what causes some people to smoke. (among boredom, stress, and other things...)

Smokers end up ugly and unpopular.

Yay for me being drug, alcohal, and smoke free. I am awesome ftw.

No doubt. Everyone is allowed to make their choices. I had to explain myself all the time which got tiresome so I understand what you mean. I even indulge in a little alcohol drinking from time to time so I can't rag on smokers. I can only tell them how much of a more positive direction my life's taken since quitting. But for some people the juice is worth the squeeze so to speak :).

MystikFollower

In moderation, no, theyre not bad for you.

Many people smoke for for a few years, realize its time to quit, and continue to live full, long lives. Hell, even casual smokers can smoke their entire lives and are still fine.

If you smoke too much, youre gonna cause harm to yourself. Just like if you eat too much, drink too much alcohol, go skydiving too much, etc.

What I am trying to say is that cigarettes are like cheeseburgers. A cheeseburger a few times a month is OK. A cheeseburger every day, or three times a day, is bad.

You can haz cheeseburger...but only in moderation!

[QUOTE="MystikFollower"]

No doubt. Everyone is allowed to make their choices. I had to explain myself all the time which got tiresome so I understand what you mean. I even indulge in a little alcohol drinking from time to time so I can't rag on smokers. I can only tell them how much of a more positive direction my life's taken since quitting. But for some people the juice is worth the squeeze so to speak :).

jalexbrown

At least for now. They want to add another tax on cigarettes that could raise the prices another dollar or two. I don't know about where you live, but here in Sacto they are already charging 6 to 7 bucks for a pack. I never had the money to be spending on them anyways. I had to move out on my own and find a job on my own right when this Recession hit its peak so I was kinda in a hole from the get go.

I was listening to a conversation on the Bus from a Guy who believes Cigarettes don't kill you. I nearly choked a chuckle, I didn't want to offend him. Why do people believe that Cigarettes are harmless, and why do people start smoking anyways?Mesden

The only people who believe that cigarettes are harmless, are idiots.

However, I could say the same thing about the people who believe some of the anti-smoking propaganda. No, smoking doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to kill you, or give you a serious disease. And every time I hear someone quote that statistic that "every time you smoke a cigarette, it takes 11 minutes off of your life", I get so mad that I want to punch a puppy. How do people actually BELIEVE this stuff?

Bottom line is that there are idiots on both sides. Yes, cigarettes are very dangerous, but there are a hell of a lot of people who still feel the need to exaggerate the dangers. So you get some people saying that smoking is completely harmless. On the other hand, you get people saying that you're gonna get lung cancer if you so much as smoke a single cigarette. They're both lying and peddling BS, and unfortunately people actually believe them.

Hey, it happens. Sometimes, people really ARE idiots.

Anyway, as far as why people start smoking, that's because cigarettes get people high. Same reason that people smoke pot, drink caffeine, drink booze, or snort cocaine. It's a euphoric drug. When people use it, it makes them feel good.

At least for now. They want to add another tax on cigarettes that could raise the prices another dollar or two. I don't know about where you live, but here in Sacto they are already charging 6 to 7 bucks for a pack. I never had the money to be spending on them anyways. I had to move out on my own and find a job on my own right when this Recession hit its peak so I was kinda in a hole from the get go.

MystikFollower

The only people who believe that cigarettes are harmless, are idiots.

However, I could say the same thing about the people who believe some of the anti-smoking propaganda. No, smoking doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to kill you, or give you a serious disease. And every time I hear someone quote that statistic that "every time you smoke a cigarette, it takes 11 minutes off of your life", I get so mad that I want to punch a puppy. How do people actually BELIEVE this stuff?

Bottom line is that there are idiots on both sides. Yes, cigarettes are very dangerous, but there are a hell of a lot of people who still feel the need to exaggerate the dangers. So you get some people saying that smoking is completely harmless. On the other hand, you get people saying that you're gonna get lung cancer if you so much as smoke a single cigarette. They're both lying and peddling BS, and unfortunately people actually believe them.

Hey, it happens. Sometimes, people really ARE idiots.

Anyway, as far as why people start smoking, that's because cigarettes get people high. Same reason that people smoke pot, drink caffeine, drink booze, or snort cocaine. It's a euphoric drug. When people use it, it makes them feel good.

MrGeezer

[QUOTE="MrGeezer"]

The only people who believe that cigarettes are harmless, are idiots.

However, I could say the same thing about the people who believe some of the anti-smoking propaganda. No, smoking doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to kill you, or give you a serious disease. And every time I hear someone quote that statistic that "every time you smoke a cigarette, it takes 11 minutes off of your life", I get so mad that I want to punch a puppy. How do people actually BELIEVE this stuff?

Bottom line is that there are idiots on both sides. Yes, cigarettes are very dangerous, but there are a hell of a lot of people who still feel the need to exaggerate the dangers. So you get some people saying that smoking is completely harmless. On the other hand, you get people saying that you're gonna get lung cancer if you so much as smoke a single cigarette. They're both lying and peddling BS, and unfortunately people actually believe them.

Hey, it happens. Sometimes, people really ARE idiots.

Anyway, as far as why people start smoking, that's because cigarettes get people high. Same reason that people smoke pot, drink caffeine, drink booze, or snort cocaine. It's a euphoric drug. When people use it, it makes them feel good.

jalexbrown

one word about the choice comment:

from what I have observed, nobody forces you to smoke, but everyone forces you not to smoke. Its borderline harassment in some cases, especially when it comes from friends; I expect someone that knows me to respect my decision to smoke, and to leave me alone.

one word about the choice comment:

from what I have observed, nobody forces you to smoke, but everyone forces you not to smoke. Its borderline harassment in some cases, especially when it comes from friends; I expect someone that knows me to respect my decision to smoke, and to leave me alone.

mrbojangles25

[QUOTE="WushuFighter"]

Sure if you like bad breath, having a dry mouth, smelling like crap after a smoke, becomming depended on a smoke for relaxation, etc. go ahead and smoke.

It's perfectly good for you.

jalexbrown

Do you know what's like to have someone who smokes constantly sit beside you in multiple classes throughout highschool? Do you know what it's like seeing first year college students succumbing to smoking simply because "its a cool stress reliever"?

I don't think little of smokers, but if you're going to smoke, at least wait a little bit for the stench to wear off before you go an sit beside someone.

Sure if you like bad breath, having a dry mouth, smelling like crap after a smoke, becomming depended on a smoke for relaxation, etc. go ahead and smoke.

It's perfectly good for you.

WushuFighter

It's as if you're trying to say that smoking isn't cool.

[QUOTE="alphamale1989"]I'd imagine they usually start to be cool. But a lot of smokers find it relaxing and stress relieving.jalexbrown

yea I dont think anyone has thought smoking looked cool for like 50 years

I dont know where this notion came up, anyway. Problably Joe Camel...that is one suave dude, I wanna be like him! He is soooooo cool.

My great uncle is dieing of cancer, and probably won't make it to the end of the year. He smoked heavily for years.

Cigarettes aren't bad for you?

My great uncle is dieing of cancer, and probably won't make it to the end of the year. He smoked heavily for years.

Cigarettes aren't bad for you?

Jfisch93

not if you smoke heavily like your Uncle.

Sorry, by the way, I know how hard it is to watch someone die over a period of time.

To be cool of course :P_rock_

[QUOTE="_rock_"]To be cool of course :Pnavaratna

bad...to the bone?

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

My great uncle is dieing of cancer, and probably won't make it to the end of the year. He smoked heavily for years.

Cigarettes aren't bad for you?

Jfisch93

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

Rekunta

but if the government and doctors told you tobacco smoke was good for you, you'd believe it. And that is what happened. Hell, man, they used to fumigate entire neighborhoods with DDT (a horrible pesticide that causes a high probability of genetic defects iirc) less than a few decades ago.

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

mrbojangles25

but if the government and doctors told you tobacco smoke was good for you, you'd believe it. And that is what happened. Hell, man, they used to fumigate entire neighborhoods with DDT (a horrible pesticide that causes a high probability of genetic defects iirc) less than a few decades ago.

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

mrbojangles25

but if the government and doctors told you tobacco smoke was good for you, you'd believe it. And that is what happened. Hell, man, they used to fumigate entire neighborhoods with DDT (a horrible pesticide that causes a high probability of genetic defects iirc) less than a few decades ago.

The docs told them it was healthy??? Wha.....? That's hard to believe. Makes me curious as to what else they say today that is complete B.S.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

jalexbrown

but if the government and doctors told you tobacco smoke was good for you, you'd believe it. And that is what happened. Hell, man, they used to fumigate entire neighborhoods with DDT (a horrible pesticide that causes a high probability of genetic defects iirc) less than a few decades ago.

its a combination of mind over body, and the placebo, effect. It is vastly underrated in my opinion; people have been cured of illnesses simply by being told the sugar pill theyre taking is medicine. The list goes on. ANyway, it can work as a negative as well...I think the term is "hypochondriac"?

This is actually an upcoming "trend" concerning gluten allergies; man has lived off of bread and beer for thousands of years with no problem, yet all of a sudden we start having these people who are intolerant to gluten? WTF?!?!

There are some legitimate cases (specifically people with Celiacs Disease), but the majority of papers I read say 1 in 7 people have or will develop a gluten intolerance. I seriously doubt this is some sort of epidemic, and it is more likely society telling individuals there is something wrong with them, and individualls rolling over and saying "Youre right! We are sick!"

As with your example concerning drinking alcohol, it is in fact perfectly fine to drink alcohol while pregant. A glass or two of wine or a beer or two per week is perfectly acceptable; ask any doctor. In fact, Stout (a rich, dark beer full of protein and soluble fiber) was fed to mothers in the last month or two of pregnancy and all through the nursing period to increase milk production and quality in the breasts.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

I've always enjoyed hearing people from the older generation claim that they didn't know smoking was unhealthy for them back in the day due to lack of research, studies, etc. You're inhaling SMOKE. It doesn't take Einstein to realize that inhaling smoke into your lungs is not the healthiest thing to do.

Rekunta

but if the government and doctors told you tobacco smoke was good for you, you'd believe it. And that is what happened. Hell, man, they used to fumigate entire neighborhoods with DDT (a horrible pesticide that causes a high probability of genetic defects iirc) less than a few decades ago.

The docs told them it was healthy??? Wha.....? That's hard to believe. Makes me curious as to what else they say today that is complete B.S.

cigarettes were issued to soldiers, inmates, government officials...they were even sold in hospitals

its a combination of mind over body, and the placebo, effect. It is vastly underrated in my opinion; people have been cured of illnesses simply by being told the sugar pill theyre taking is medicine. The list goes on. ANyway, it can work as a negative as well...I think the term is "hypochondriac"?

This is actually an upcoming "trend" concerning gluten allergies; man has lived off of bread and beer for thousands of years with no problem, yet all of a sudden we start having these people who are intolerant to gluten? WTF?!?!

There are some legitimate cases (specifically people with Celiacs Disease), but the majority of papers I read say 1 in 7 people have or will develop a gluten intolerance. I seriously doubt this is some sort of epidemic, and it is more likely society telling individuals there is something wrong with them, and individualls rolling over and saying "Youre right! We are sick!"

As with your example concerning drinking alcohol, it is in fact perfectly fine to drink alcohol while pregant. A glass or two of wine or a beer or two per week is perfectly acceptable; ask any doctor. In fact, Stout (a rich, dark beer full of protein and soluble fiber) was fed to mothers in the last month or two of pregnancy and all through the nursing period to increase milk production and quality in the breasts.

mrbojangles25

More doctors smoke Camels? :lol: :lol: :lol: My doc smokes Lucky Strikes.

Jeeez. Even so, smoking and coughing up all that crap from your lungs has to make you curious and question whether they're right or not. You'd think at least.

More doctors smoke Camels? :lol: :lol: :lol: My doc smokes Lucky Strikes.

Jeeez. Even so, smoking and coughing up all that crap from your lungs has to make you curious and question whether they're right or not. You'd think at least.

Rekunta