Do you smoke? Have you ever stopped to think about how smoking is affecting your body and your life? Smoking has been proven to be dangerous to your health. It is dangerous not only for smokers, but also for non-smokers and unborn children exposed to secondhand smoke. Such exposure can be significant, especially for those who live or work with a smoker. In reality, most of the smoke from a lit cigarette is not sucked into the smoker's lungs, but escapes into the air, where it can be inhaled by anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. Research has shown that nonsmokers can suffer from health problems if they spend long periods of time with people who smoke (Vogin). If you smoke, you have a duty to find out the effects of smoking on your life. Smoking and health go hand in hand, as smoking affects almost all aspects of health. Why is cigarette smoking bad for you? One cigarette contains approximately 4,000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous (“Center for Young Women's Health”). Every time you inhale cigarette smoke, small amounts of these chemicals enter your blood through your lungs. They travel to all parts of your body and cause damage. Learning about smoking and your health are important things to think about to help you decide whether to continue smoking. The effects of cigarette smoking on the cardiovascular system are multiple. Lowers HDL (“good” cholesterol). It deteriorates the elastic properties of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, increasing the risk of developing blood clots. It increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, placing additional stress on the system that regulates the heart and blood vessels (“Discovery Fit and Health”). In Uni......middle paper......to avoid or Orcullo 4give up as soon as possible. The longer you smoke, the more damage you do to your body and health. The decision whether to start or continue smoking is up to you and no one can make you quit, but you should think carefully about whether it is best for your body and your life. References: Vogin, Gary D. MD. “Smoking Cessation Health Center, Effects of Secondhand Smoke.” WebMD.com. WebMD July 17, 2009. Web April 4, 2011. “About Smoking.” Youngwomenshealth.org: Center for Young Women's Health. Children's Hospital Boston, December 3, 2006. Web. April 15, 2011. "Smoking's Impact on Health Is Not Limited to Lung Cancer." HowStuffWorks.com. DiscoveryFit & Health, August 1, 2005. Web. April 15, 2011.Jones, Sam. “Health Benefits of Smoking.” Organicfacts.net. Organic Facts Network, October 7, 2009. Web. April 17 2011.