WHY I SMOKE:

In “That’s Fit,” a great blog for those obsessed with their health, Jennifer Jordan suggests: “quit smoking,” then goes on to say:”

“It seems like and easy tip, even an obvious one but if that’s the case why are so many still smoking? I’m not sure about the rest of our fair country, but here in New York City it seems one out of four people I meet on the streets is lighting up, despite messages from everyone from the surgeon general to our moms (even the ones who smoke.)”

Well Jennifer, to answer your question:

A. Quitting is not that easy, especially when you don’t really want to quit.

B. I’m addicted. Coffee, cigarettes, and a rotten disposition are my legacy from the army.

C. I like smoking. For me, at least, it enhances my quality of life. At my age and my income level, it’s one of the few pleasures I get out of life.

D. Even if it kills me, everybody dies of something. Do you think you’re going to live forever? Do you even want to? If longevity is your goal, spend some time in a nursing home. That should change your perspective. (And by the way, it’s already too late for me to die young.)

E. While there is ample proof that cigarette smoking is harmful to my health, there is no evidence to prove that if I don’t smoke I’ll live a longer, happier, more fulfilled life. While I have had several non-smoking friends die at a young age from various causes, I had two grandparents who never smoked and lived long lives. Both died in nursing homes. One, a health nut who never smoked a cigarette or tasted alcohol in his life and who quit drinking colas at nineteen, was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease and spent several healthy years not knowing where he was or who he was talking to. The other, a grandmother, had a mind sharp as a tack at her death. She was fully aware she couldn’t hear or see and could barely get out of bed. (Her husband, a heavy smoker, died young of a brain tumor.)

F. It seems at this minute, there are more health problems associated with obesity than smoking. Smoking helps me control my weight.


I could go on for quite a while explaining why I smoke and why others do. However, my reasons for smoking will be as ignored by those who want me to stop as their arguments are by me. Yes, I’ll probably die from a cigarette-related ailment. In the interim, however, I’m going to enjoy my cigarettes as long as I can stay away from the Cigarette Gestapo. What are you going to die from?