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How Cigarettes Affect the Body
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HOW CIGARETTES AFFECT THE BODY
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. With each instance of smoking, more than 5000 chemicals enter our system, including carbon monoxide, cadmium, cresol, nickel oxide, and lead.
Tar, a black residue material, begins to coat the teeth and gums, causing damage to the teeth and eventual decay. Over time, smoking damages nerve endings, leading to a loss of smell. Inside the airways and lungs, smoking increases the likelihood of infections and chronic diseases like bronchitis. It starts by damaging the cilia (tiny hair-like structures responsible for keeping the airways clean), and then fills the alveoli (tiny air sacs) responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood. A toxic gas, carbon monoxide, crosses the membrane into the blood, binding with hemoglobin and displacing the oxygen usually transported into the body.
One of the reasons smoking causes shortness of breath within 10 seconds is that nicotine is taken to the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, creating the craving sensation that makes smoking highly addictive. Nicotine and other chemicals cause the constriction of blood vessels and damage their delicate endothelia, restricting blood flow. This leads to the thickening of blood vessel walls and increases the likelihood of blood platelet stickiness which in turn raises the chances of clot formation and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. These chemicals can also trigger dangerous genetic mutations that lead to the formation of cancer. Smoking is linked to various cancers, including lung, mouth, ureteral, pancreatic, stomach, liver, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, acute myeloid leukemia, kidney, bladder, esophagus, sinus, nose, and throat cancers. Smoking damages eyesight, weakens bones, makes it harder for women to get pregnant, and can cause erectile dysfunction in men.
Benefits when one Stops Smoking
• After 20 minutes of smoking, the heart rate and blood pressure begin to restore to normal.
• In 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels stabilize, increasing the blood-carrying capacity.
• One day after ceasing smoking, the risk of a heart attack begins to decrease as blood pressure and heart rate normalize.
• After two days, nerve endings responsible for taste and smell begin to recover.
• Lungs start to heal, with less coughing and shortness of breath after one month.
• Delicate, hair-like cilia in the airways and lungs start recovering within weeks and are fully restored after nine months, improving resistance to infection.
• After one year of quitting, the risk of heart disease drops by 50%, and blood vessel functioning improves.
• After five years, the chances of clot formation dramatically decline, and the risk of stroke continues to reduce.
• After ten years, the chances of developing fatal lung cancer decrease by 50%, restoring the body's ability to repair DNA.
• After 15 years, the likelihood of coronary heart diseases is essentially the same as that of a nonsmoker.
Quitting smoking is not easy and may lead to anxiety and pressure resulting from nicotine withdrawal. Fortunately, such effects are usually temporary, and quitting becomes easier when embracing the following:
• Nicotine replacement therapy through gums, skin patches, and sprays may help smokers by stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain, preventing withdrawals without the use of other harmful chemicals.
• Counseling
• Support groups
• Moderate-intensity exercise
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Note: Quitting Smoking puts you and your body on a path back to life.
Our Standard Review
Date created: 16 Aug 2024 07:10:33
Critical Evaluation:
The article presents a clear and logical argument about the harmful effects of smoking on the body, supported by a range of scientific facts. The mention of over 5,000 chemicals entering the body with each cigarette effectively highlights the severity of the issue. However, while the article provides a wealth of information, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of how these chemicals interact at a molecular level, which would strengthen the argument.
The reasoning throughout the article is mostly coherent, but it lacks a balanced view of smoking cessation methods. The focus on the negative aspects of smoking is strong, but it could also address the psychological and social factors that contribute to smoking addiction. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. The article does not appear to show bias, as it presents factual information without promoting any specific agenda. The implications of the article are significant; understanding the risks associated with smoking can lead to better public health policies and personal decisions regarding tobacco use.
Quality of Information:
The language used in the article is generally accessible, making it easy for a broad audience to understand the serious health risks associated with smoking. Technical terms such as "alveoli" and "endothelia" are introduced without sufficient explanation, which may confuse readers unfamiliar with biological terminology. Providing brief definitions or analogies could enhance comprehension.
The information appears accurate and reliable, citing well-known health risks associated with smoking, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. There are no obvious signs of fake news or misleading information. The article adheres to ethical standards by presenting factual data without sensationalism. While it does cover a wide range of health issues related to smoking, it does not introduce new ideas or research findings, primarily summarizing existing knowledge. Overall, the article contributes valuable insights into the health impacts of smoking.
Use of Evidence and References:
The article lacks specific references to studies or data that would lend credibility to its claims. While it mentions various health risks, it does not cite any sources or research to back up these assertions. This absence of evidence creates gaps in the argument, as readers may question the reliability of the information presented. Including references to reputable studies or health organizations would strengthen the article's claims and provide readers with avenues for further exploration.
Further Research and References:
Further research could explore the psychological aspects of smoking addiction, such as the role of stress and social influences. Investigating the effectiveness of various smoking cessation methods, including behavioral therapies and pharmacological aids, could also provide valuable insights.
Readers may find it beneficial to consult literature on public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates, as well as studies on the long-term effects of smoking cessation on mental health.
Questions for Further Research:
- What are the psychological factors that contribute to smoking addiction?
- How do different smoking cessation methods compare in terms of effectiveness?
- What role do social influences play in a person's decision to start or quit smoking?
- How does smoking affect mental health and cognitive function?
- What are the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking beyond ten years?
- How do public health campaigns impact smoking rates in different demographics?
- What genetic factors may influence an individual's susceptibility to smoking-related diseases?
- How does secondhand smoke affect non-smokers, particularly children?
- What are the economic impacts of smoking-related health issues on healthcare systems?
- How can technology be leveraged to support smoking cessation efforts?
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Rating:
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