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November 15, 2012

Editorial: Smokeout today, after

-- Press-Republican

Did you miss getting yourself geared up for the Great American Smokeout today? Too bad. We know you meant well.

But here’s good news: There’s another smokeout — today. And tomorrow. And every other day. Grab one.

The smokeout was started 37 years ago and has been successful in reminding smokers that their habit is a killer.

Why should non-smokers care whether smokers insist on inflicting unthinkable consequences on themselves?

Because, normal human sympathy aside, those consequences are costing us all very dearly. Health insurance is breaking the bank all over America, thanks in large part to smokers who voluntarily sign up for a myriad of diseases, any one of which could lead to a painful demise.

This is to say nothing of the ill will they inspire with the odor emanating from their clothes, hair and breath. Many are surprised to hear that there are such odors. They can’t smell anything, of course, and it comes as quite a shock to learn that others can.

Smokers who doubt that truth should ask someone whom they can trust.

Are they ashamed about being offensive, or don’t they care? There is a reason they can no longer smoke in hotels, airplanes, restaurants, stores — and even bars.

Hasn’t a chronic cough yet tipped you off that you’re compiling a problem? It will. The loss of the sense of taste has probably been so gradual that you haven’t noticed it, but how about that smoky, musty film lingering in your mouth in the morning?

What about the cost? What have you had to give up so you can afford your $5 or $10 a day to keep smoking?

And what about our kids? Would any responsible smoker, upon thinking about it, want a single child or teenager to begin smoking? Yet we see kids — especially college students — smoking all the time, as if they believe they can quit at the drop of a cigarette. They’ll find out the sad truth later.

In addition, our city streets, sidewalks and parking lots would be a lot cleaner if they weren’t littered with cigarette butts.

In short, all of us care about your health, about our own health, about the unnecessary, exorbitant cost of health care and about the general appearance of our environment. If everybody quit smoking, we’d all be so much happier.

We know it’s difficult. We know the concentration and frustration required to kick the habit. We also know it’s well worth the effort. Your friends, family and co-workers will surely support you because they benefit as well.

Go to the American

Cancer Society for help

at www.cancer.org/

healthy/stayawayfrom

tobacco/greatamerican

smokeout/index. Or call (800) 227-2345.

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