How to Save Your Life, Save Money and Not Harm Others

Smoking kills. No matter what the big tobacco companies may say--the scientific evidence is very clear. Smoking will harm and potentially kill smokers. Secondhand smoke can be deadly to non-smokers as well. This article will give you the highlights on why you need to stop smoking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and paper
• An honest look at your tobacco use
• A desire to stop smoking

1. Smoking is an addiction the same as alcohol or street drugs, but somehow has become socially acceptable. This "acceptance" has all but vanished in the United States since the medical evidence is clear that smoking harms or kills the smoker and those around the smoker.
2. Smoking is expensive! Using an average of $5 per pack, in one year a pack-a-day smoker will spend $1,820; a two-pack-a-day smoker will spend $3,640 and a three-pack-a-day smoker will spend $5,460. That is a lot of money for a product that is only going to harm you and others.
3. Your secondhand smoke can harm others! You know you are trashing your health and money, but after all, it is yours to trash. So what is the big deal? You may be harming someone else is the big deal. Secondhand smoke can be as deadly to non-smokers as cigarettes are to smokers. Secondhand smoke can harm your kids, friends, spouse, and even your pets.
4. Make a list of how you plan your day around your smoking. More than likely this will be very enlightening.
5. Make another list of what you would do with your cigarette money. Not only is this "fun" but can really demonstrate the power cigarettes have over you.
6. Talk to your friends, health care provider and anyone else who will listen about ways that may be helpful for you to stop smoking. There are programs, medications and many other help tools out there. You do not need to go this distance alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Smoking harms everyone who comes in contact with it.
• Smoking may be one of the hardest addictions to halt--makes you wonder why Big Tobacco refuses to reveal what is in their cigarettes.
• You can stop smoking if you have the desire, support and will. It is NOT easy, but it CAN be done.
• As with any health care advice on the Internet this is for educational purposes only. You should see your nurse practitioner or physician for actual screening and testing of any medical condition.