Smoking tobacco has turned into a United States epidemic. Before anyone knew the excruciating harm that tobacco did to your body, smoking cigarettes was a popular part of the American culture. It was pictured as classy and elegant. Images of famous American figures like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra were all over ads and in movies smoking tobacco.  Having the knowledge that we do today about the harm tobacco does to our bodies, I am astonished people still choose to treat their bodies that way. In an article I read published by The Washington Post, a study about the danger of smoking cigarettes is mind blowing. Marc Kaufman, the author of the article, states that “almost half of all persistent cigarette smokers were killed by their habit, and a quarter died before age 70” (1). Out of all of the blogs and discussion board posts I have read, practically no one was opposed to smoking cigarettes or tobacco. Although there were smokers on the boards and writing their own blogs, most of them said it is a bad habit and they would eventually like to quit smoking. In another article I read that was published by TIME in 2008, Tiffany Sharples writes, “One billion people will die from tobacco-related causes by the end of the century if current consumption trends continue, according to a global report released Thursday by the World Health Organization (WHO)” (1). Every smoker that I have ever met always “wants” to quit and I can understand why; but I have rarely seen that same person who says they want to quit actually make progress in accomplishing that goal. I know it must be a hard task to conquer, but with support and will power I have seen it happen. I would suggest to actually go into a Doctor’s office (assuming that doctor does not smoke) and hear the serious problems that go along with smoking out of a professionals mouth. You can try the patch, nicotine free gum, even electronic cigarettes are better than actual tobacco. When you search for articles about smoking on the internet and one of the first things you see is an article titled, Cigarettes Cut About 10 Years Off Life, 50-Year Study Shows, that should be an immediate red flag. I am not going to sit here and say that trying to quit smoking is easy because I have never had to do it, but I know in a world of temptations you have to be motivated to make a change and not give in to those temptations. I am going to continue to post blogs and make commitments against the use of tobacco because I know many people will benefit from it. I’ve seen people change their lifestyle and it has been for the better. As long as I stay active with my blogs and on the discussion boards, I am hopeful that I could possibly help someone kick start their new and improved life. All they need is a little help! 

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