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Smoking 101 Fact Sheet

Despite the vast information available regarding the dangers of smoking, many individuals continue to do so. The effects of this habit can pose numerous health problems. In addition, the cost of cigarettes is high--making the habit quite expensive. The good news is that there is a lot of help available for those who want to quit. Smoking cessation information is widely available, and may be offered by large businesses as an employee health incentive.

  1. Statistics

    • Cigarette smoking is the most significant preventable cause of untimely death in the United States, leading to more than 440,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association.

    Nicotine

    • Nicotine is an addictive drug that is present in cigarettes and can make smoking extremely difficult to give up.

    Chronic Disorders

    • People who smoke increase their risk of developing various chronic disorders, including build-up in their arteries, cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Smoking also can cause coronary heart disease.

    Decreased Physical Fitness

    • Cigarette smoking increases blood pressure and decreases physical fitness.

    Blood Clots/Stroke

    • Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and the chances of experiencing a stroke, especially among women using oral contraceptive birth control.

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