Overwhelming
evidence suggests that smoking contributes to numerous life-threatening
conditions, yet cigar sales in the United States increased
by nearly 50% from 1993-1997. Even more disturbing, cigars
are advertised and often glamorized in the mass media. And
the general perception is that cigars are safer than cigarettes,
despite their similar associations with lung cancer and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A 25-year study involving nearly 18,000 men addressed this
misconception by investigating the link between cigar smoking,
cardiovascular disease and other major diseases. The study,
which appeared in the June 10th, 1999 issue of The New England
Journal of Medicine, showed that cigar smokers were at higher
risk for developing heart disease, COPD, or cancer of the
lungs/throat than nonsmokers.
So don't believe the glamor and the hype, believe the warnings.
Smoking, whether it be cigarettes, cigars or pipes, can threaten
your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you're a current
smoker who'd like to quit, or if you know of someone who's
having trouble quitting, donšt be afraid to ask your doctor
for help.
Reference:
Iribarren C, Tekawa IS, Sidney S, et al. Effect of cigar
smoking on the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and cancer in men. The New England Journal
of Medicine, June 10, 1999: Vol. 340, No. 23, pp1773-1780.
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