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How Does Smoking Increase Aging?

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Created: December 08, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: How Does Smoking Increase Aging?
Answer: The Cost of Smoking

There is nothing worse for a long, healthy life than smoking. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimate that smoking will result in death or disability for half of all people who continue to smoke. Smoking is the greatest preventable cause of death. Almost a half a million people will die each year from smoking, costing 75 billion dollars in health care costs and 92 billion dollars in lost productivity every year.

Health Conditions

Smoking causes lung cancer, other forms of cancer, stroke, heart disease, lung disease and many other conditions. If you want to live long and live healthy, avoid smoking at all costs. All forms or tobacco are age thieves, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, and anything else with tobacco in it.

The Good News

The good news is that smoking is getting easier to avoid. Many states and cities have passed laws prohibiting smoke in public places. Quitting smoking also has great benefit, as quitting increases your life expectancy and overall health.

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