ask: affects of smoking on body

Hi Zia,

Great questions. I can give you some general answers as to what happens to the lungs. The mind, we'll have to research a bit.

But, first, can you tell me if you are more concerned about second hand smoke? Do you or someone you love currently smoking?

If you can answer these questions for me. We'll be able to give you more relevant information.

Studies show, smoking cigarettes, causes cancer. That's what I know to be true. Cigarettes cause lung cancer. Not sure about the effects cigarettes have on the brain are. But we can certainly look that information up for you or direct you to some credible websites that have this information.

Best advice.. quit. That is so difficult to do, but easy to say, though. Especially, if you're the one who doesn't have the habit and has no idea what it's like to be addicted to cigarettes.

There are many methods to help someone quit nowadays. But, if you are asking these questions because you are afraid for a family member, a friend or yourself. Then let's get you some options of how you, or someone you care about, can successful quit. It may seem impossible but there are so many more things today that can help ease the pain when you decide to quit.

If you feel comfortable answering my questions. Then I can better resource more relevant answers for you.

You are showing such great strength and courage by just coming onto EmpowHer and asking these questions.

Be well,

Michelle

Thanks for your question and you're right in knowing that smoking adversely affects your body and mind. According to a report from the CDC, approximately 440,000 deaths a year are attributed to cigarette smoking. Smoking has been linked to lung cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease obstruction among others. Not only does smoking affect your physical health, it can affect your mental health as well with one study claiming it actually alters brain chemistry. If you would like more information about the affects of smoking on your body, you may want to take a look at these Web sites.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
www.cdc.gov/tobacco
National Cancer Institute:
www.cancer.gov
U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services: www.smokefree.gov
Society for Research on
Nicotine and Tobacco: www.srnt.org
NicNet: www.nicnet.org
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:
www.rwjf.org
Join Together Online: www.quitnet.org
American Legacy Foundation:
www.americanlegacy.org

Zia,

Tina provided you with great resources, and I wanted to comment on your question regarding smoking and its effects on the brain.

A smoker's brain is not only effected...it physically changes! I wrote about it on the empowher site:

http://empowher.com/community/blog/alison-b/08/04/29/cigarettes%3A-mind-...