Hey Smokers! This is what your friends won't tell you. Part 2

by Fitz K. (Subscribe to Fitz K.'s posts)
Apr 16th 2007 6:18PM

Categories: Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Men's Health

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A few weeks ago I posted Hey Smokers! This is what your friends won't tell you. and boy did I get some feedback. You know, I wrote it kind of harshly...it is true. It's just one of those things that stick in my craw. This is a blog and AOL welcomes us to be opinionated. It is what it is. I hate smoking. Smoking is not one of those deals that effects just the person doing it; everyone surrounding the smoker is affected. But, what inspired me to write the article was all of my friends who are former smokers.

Across the board, they all are disgusted by smoking now. They also say that they "had no idea how offensive they were being, how gross it smells......even from far away, and also how nasty it looks". Go talk to someone who has already kicked the habit. They probably had no idea how offensive they were. Look, my job is to promote fitness. Most of the time I do it with a happy face, cheerful voice, and congratulating air. Every now and then it's time for straight talk. That's what that blog was all about.

Some people respond to loving hand holding. Some people respond to the harsh truth. If you visit the comment section of that blog, you'll see the suspected replies of "Gee it's my habit, and it's not hurting anyone but me." "I've tried to quit but it's an addiction, none of the remedies actually ever work, woe is me, blah blah blah". I even got cursed out a few times. Oh well. Some accused me of 'hating them'. Nope. I hate smoking. Lots of terrific people smoke, and that's also pretty frusterating.

I also received a bunch of feedback that said, "thank you for telling the truth" etc. More interestingly though, my blog was forwarded a bazillion times. The forwards were apparently all to friends whom the sender was hoping to help quit. The forwards were sent to loved ones with messages like, "please read...this is true" and "I love you....please read this and try to stop."

People are passionate about smoking. Some who do it love it. Some who do it hate it. Most who don't do it, and are merely victims of it... hate it. For those of you who thought it a great idea to curse me out.....good for you. I still hope one day you find a way to quit. I'd like you to live long enough to look back and think how silly you were in the first place to pick up the habit. I'd rather that, than have you think back one day from your ventilator, "that stupid B**** from that stupid blog was right. "

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Comments (21)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Donna Ennis 4-16-2007 @ 8:44PM

I am 30 days quit and doing great. Anyone who really wants to quit, talk to your doctor about "Chantix". It works! I am one of those smokers who tried everything to quit and this is the first that has been really effective.
I smoked close to 2 packs a day for almost 32 years and I smoked menthol which is harder to quit than regular.

Melissa 4-16-2007 @ 8:25PM

I just read these two blogs. I was..AM a smoker. I decided two days ago that I'm tired of smoking controlling my life. I'm tired of always craving it, needing it, and the financial strain it has cursed me with. I want to be healthier. I too, LOVED smoking. I do LOVE smoking but I also can't help but think how we very often "love" things that are bad for us. I love myself, my family and my children entirely more than my habit. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done but best of wishes to all of you out there who are attempting to put it down like me!

Sarah 4-16-2007 @ 8:25PM

As a smoker (judge me if you will) I find it slightly offensive that my behavior "even from far away" is so vehemently frowned upon. I don't like hearing people scream obscenities out of doors, I don't like seeing parents verbally abusing their children at the store, I don't like watching the morbibly obese order the super-sized. I'm very concientious about where I blow my smoke, and tend to smoke when I'm around other smokers, or not in the direct path of others; but emerging research shows that second-hand smoke is not the death-threat it was trumped up to be, and as far as offensive smells . . . when someone goes hurdling by at 70 mph in their huge deisel truck or SUV, that sucks too. Just remember that I'm doing more damage to myself, and while you may not like it, you can at least respect me. At least.

Dean 4-16-2007 @ 8:15PM

I never blog, but felt this one is worthy. To the writer of this blog: You really are a selfish idiot spewing all your crap about smokers when you probably should be looking more at yourself and how you are likely hurting others in your life more than smokers. I do not smoke, not because of all the crap people like you spew out, but because I just don't like to smoke. Saying hateful things like "you stink" and saying you don't wan't to be around people who smoke really says alot about the person you are. Yeah, I know some people like you....some of you drink and drive, some use drugs, some molest children, some are horrible parents. Others are racist and bigots, and some of you cheat on your spouses. Most smokers I know, don't smoke in thier houses or cars. They certainly don't smoke in thier offices! Most try to go as far away as they can when they smoke. Most people I know that smoke do it because they like to, and if that is the worst habbit they have, then kodos to them. I just wish some of you would give up your other habbits and start smoking.

eva 4-16-2007 @ 9:52PM

Sounds like Dean's got deeper issues than smoking . . . keep in mind that because someone speaks out--in no uncertain terms--about a dangerous, unhealthy, disgusting, stinky habit doesn't put them in a realm with child molesters. Good for Fitz for continuing to be a voice against this habit.

Michael 4-16-2007 @ 11:53PM

At a time when "hate speech" may finally be seen for how potentialy harmful it is, it seems out of place for someone who professes to be a person who is concerned for others health, to so blatently use harsh, uncontrolled emotional attacks to encourage others to discontinue a habit that is by every sign, a very difficult one to break. Smoking is unhealthy, we get that; it smells bad to non-smokers, we get that too, but as a non-smoker I only ask that they be respectful not to do it in areas where others can't stay away from it. It is not up to me, or to anyone else for that matter, to pass judgement on someone who makes a concerted effort to respect others while pursuing their personal choice. Live and Let Live. Keep your religion, health concerns, political opinions and favorite sports teams under control when dealing with other humans. If it is truly your position to help people shed a little light instead of a lot of rage. Just sayin.........

Keribeth 4-17-2007 @ 12:15AM

I understand how gross smoking is, but to counter your argument on how there is no good that could come from smoking, I'd have to say that you are not completely right.
First, there are behavioral benefits to it. British researcher D.M. Warburton, show that cigarettes, whatever their other effects, really do stimulate alertness, dexterity and cognitive capacity.
Secondly, smoking when done in long drags helps to calm a person, but on the flip, quick puffs excite a person. Nicotine is amphoretic.
Lastly, Smokers are lighter ironically, because obesity is a leading cause of the cardiovascular disease that smoking is also supposed to exacerbate.
In all honesty, while smoking is bad, it definitely has its good qualities.

Chelsa 4-17-2007 @ 6:58PM

I 100% agree with you. I do not smoke but many people that I love do smoke. I don't HATE smokers at all, but I do hate cigarettes. I hate the way they smell. I can't stand breathing in the smoke because It gives me a soar throat. I also don't like my clothes or my hair to smell of cigarettes. I try to avoid going to people's homes who smoke inside because I feel it's a hazard to my health. I think you've made an excellent point!

DIANE MORRIS 4-26-2007 @ 9:54PM

I AGREE THAT SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH, AND POSSIBLY SECOND-HAND, BUT I HAVE MY DOUBTS....... I DO BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT DRINKING ALCOHOL IS MUCH, MUCH, WORSE!!! BUT, THAT IS ACCEPTED BY SOCIETY!!! IT IS MY OPINION THAT DRINKING ALCOHOL(AND DRIVING) KILLS MORE PEOPLE THAN SECONDHAND SMOKE. I THINK BOTH SHOULD BE OUTLAWED AND NOT SOLD!!!

lisa 4-19-2007 @ 7:21AM

I dated a smoker. My apartment smelled disgusting. It made me sick He was so selfish lighting a cigarrette every 15 minutes with no care for MY health. He could have smoked out the back door but argued he just wanted to RELAX. Eventually my apartment smelled putrid. We broke up, I got the apartment painted and now everything is fresh again. I tried to help I was told I was a nag. I also learned that sociopaths are avid smokers with no care for their second hand smoke effects on other people. How true...

chincat20001 4-20-2007 @ 1:53PM

I also use that chantix. I never realized how bad it smells.

No one is hating anyone they are hating the smoking, the smell and the 2nd hand smoke that they are getting and there is nothing they can do but leave. Its a health issue and I belive that is all he was saying. You all have a great day.

Anna 4-21-2007 @ 7:30AM

I totally agree. I mean I grew up watching my father literally wither away because he smoked, drank, and had a nasty caffiene habit (which is something I consider to be just as poisonous when abused). He smoked at least a pack a day, drank around 3 pots of coffee, and Lord only knows how much he drank because he hid it from us. He passed away from a heart attack in 2005, and its no small wonder to me after researching what causes heart attacks and learning that someof the causes for heart attacks are smoking, drinking, and over-using caffiene. I also learned that he had an adrenal gland problem accelerated by smoking and drinking that he passed to me genetically and now I won't go near any of the stuff for fear of the same thing happening to me. Also, a very very dear friend to me just found out that she has a minimal chance of ever having children because of a mixture of being on oral contraceptives and smoking both for several years. She doesn't even ovulate anymore. So I mean as a young woman who sees tobacco and alcohol hurt the people so close to me, I am in total, 1,000% agreement with you.

Lilia 4-21-2007 @ 3:03PM

I read your other blog and I'm not as offended as some others got. I've heard it over and over again from other people already so I'm used to it. People saying that I'm going to stink, that no guy likes a girl who smokes, I'm being selfish, I will get cancer all of that. What amuses me is that people think saying all these things will get me to stop. Don't they realize that most smokers have already heard every line about how harmful smoking is. What makes them think, I will suddenly stop smoking for a stupid reason like attracting guys. Plus not all smokers are the same. I never smoke inside the house or around anyone else who is a non smokers. Even if I am alone I don't smoke or blow my smoke anywhere near anyone else. And I am also an occasional smoker which means I only smoke in certain situations-like at a party and not like a pack a day. So really as long as I am respecting your rights then you should also respect mine. If I'm making myself look unatractive, or selfish or even if I stink, what does it matter to you. It's my life,my health not yours

WDR 4-22-2007 @ 7:14PM

I often get the comment when I tell my family this comment when I tell my family to stop smoking: "Well, when you drop some weight, I will." Okay? I would love to know how some extra pounds on me is giving you lung cancer. I would love to know how it is deteriorating your cardiovascular system. Smoking is a major issue because of passive smoke. If you want to kill yourself slowly, go ahead, but don't make me be around at, AT ALL. I've got issues of my own to worry about instead of all the things your passive smoke is doing to my body. Family members who don't smoke are dying/have died because of a family member who does. Just because it hasn't happened to someone you know doesn't mean you're not next. I'm extremely resentful towards my mother who smoked the duration of her pregnancy with me and then throughout my childhood, although I have asthma and had many recurrent ear infections (exacerbated by my mother's smoking! way to put you child in pain!) I also am allergic to it and it makes me dizzy to be around it 95% of the time. My mother denies this and thinks I'm making it all up. But, I'm definitely not. So, smokers are in denial. Also, for people that smoke only outside and not around people, ever heard of wind? I went to a cookout last night and many people smoked. They all know I hate it and it makes me sick, so they "didn't smoke around me." By the time I left early, I was sick and I did have to change my clothes. What's worse, I was getting all this smoke and their 18 month-old son who they "don't smoke around" was too. Also, for those of you that think that if you're just going to smoke for so many years and then stop and it's going to "heal and reverse itself," dream on. Yes, it will to a certain extent and you definitely should, but it has still done it's damage to you and those you smoked around.

zxfast 4-22-2007 @ 7:15PM

WDR, I think you are completely missing the point of what your family is saying to you when you nag them to quit smoking. It sounds like what they are really trying to say to you is 'Lard ass, we all have our hang ups, why don't you quit nagging us and worry about getting rid of that big ass you have'. You are such a whiner...the small amount of smoke you are breathing when someone is smoking outside is not going to hurt you. The pollution you breath is far worse. Besides, there is no scientic evidence that second hand smoke has ever killed anyone!!!!

Brooke 4-23-2007 @ 2:12PM

well first off get your facts right. the number 1 killer of men and women is... drumroll.. CORONARY HEART DISEASE!! and while you say all smokers smell like s**t, it is you that smells, because your full of it! how many teens smoke without their parents knowing? you would think that if the smell of cigarettes is soooo irreversible that parents would notice.. obviously the smell can be fixed. washing hands, body spray, and a stick of gum can easily rid you of the HORRIBLE smell. maybe you should just meet people with better hygiene! on to smelly cars and houses. are people smoking in YOUR car? if so it's your car tell them to stop. same with your house. however, if you get in MY car and b**** about the smell im gonna tell you shutup or drive yourself. maybe you dont like the smell of a smokers house but its not your house! i only have one life and if i choose to smoke then who are you to criticize me? smokers may be offensive towards you but thats tough s*** because you cant really do anything about it! after all i find you offensive but im not trying to stop you from blogging! you may think smoking is unattractive but what makes you think smokers care what you think? there have been more than a few famous smoking sex symbols. just an example try marilyn monroe. you are entitled to your opinion. you dont have to like smokers and of course smoking is bad for you but people might respond better and listen if you werent so rude and gave professional advise and contructive critisism. after all if you yell at person for being fat they only get fatter!

Brooke 4-23-2007 @ 2:33PM

diane morris you are crazy. you cant have an opinion about something factual. look it up. i dont care if drinking and driving kills more people in your opinion! i care if it kills more people in actuallity. and abolishing alcohol is a horrible idea! i enjoy drinking! and so do many other americans. why cant i go to a bar with my friends every once in a while get trashed and take a cab home?! dont hate alcohol hate irresponsible people that drink and drive! america has tried b4 to abolish alcohol and it didnt work! people have been drinking and smoking throughout the history of human existance!!! drinking is a part of MANY cultures and there is nothing wrong with it!

Vickie 4-23-2007 @ 5:28PM

I realize that what was said in the article about smoking does sound harsh, but the reality of it is true. Smoking is a horrible, life threating habit. Yes a lot of people smoke all their lives and do not die of lung cancer, but smoking effects more of your organs than you realize. It causes a decrease in the artery size, which with common sense would tell you that your organs are not being sufficiently supplied by blood. (like a car engine, if one parts begins to malfunctions it starts to effect the way rest rest of the motor runs, and if the problem isn't fixed the engine will soon quit running, the same goes for you body, your lungs compensate for your kidneys and vise versa. All of your organs work in unison and if one begins to lag then another organs suffers while picking up the slack). I was a smoker for more than 25 years and quit smoking 2 years ago. I had decided that I had smoked too long, and I was starting to see a little shortness of breath. I had been told by a pulmonary doctor that if I could quit before I was 50 I could probably recover my lung capacity. After that age the lung capacity that is lost is gone and not recoverable. I too thought it would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do, but to my astonishment it was not as hard as I thought. I quit cold turkey, no patches, no pills, no shots, I just stopped. YOU HAVE TO REALLY WANT TO. Everytime I had a craving for a cigarette I told myself that there are millions of Americans in the world that have broke the habit and they are no better than me. If they can do it so can I. With each craving I repeated this to myself. After a day or two, or by the time I had time to say these words to myself, the craving was gone. After about 6 months I realized just how bad I smelled, it took that long for my olfactory senses to recover from the smoking smells. It is true that you can smell people as they come into a room. All your clothes smell, your body smells because the nicotine seems to seep from your pores. Perfume mixed with your body odor changes scents and no longer smells good on a person that smokes. It takes about 6 months for you to feel the benefits of not smoking. Don't get me wrong a person who really has the habit and has been smoking for many years, like I had, will have cravings probably forever. But it does get easier and they go away as fast as you get them. I wish anyone who really wants to quit, like I did, the best of luck and do it for yourself not anyone else. Good luck and may your cravings be small and short lived, and your success GREAT!!!!!!!

zxfast 4-24-2007 @ 4:01PM

If you want to smoke..go for it. If you want to drink....go for it. Don't let any of the anti-everything idiots tell you that you cant!!!!!!!!!!

DIANE MORRIS 4-27-2007 @ 7:24AM

HEY! BROOKE!! DO U EVER WATCH THE NEWS, OR READ THE PAPER?........APPARENTLY NOT!!! BECAUSE IT IS A FACT AND NOT JUST MY OPINION....LOOK IT UP... CRAZY BROOKE!!!

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