Tobacco’s effects need to be taken seriously

We know that tobacco is harmful to life and health. It has no positives. We should strive to rid its effects from our society as quickly as possible.

Recently passed laws have reduced smoking from 20 percent a year or so ago to 15 percent today. We are gaining on diminishing tobacco use. Despite gains, many still perceive tobacco more as a nuisance rather than as a harmful substance. Consider these disadvantages of using tobacco:

1. Tobacco steals our health. Besides causing chronic illness, it can actually shorten life by as much as 16 years.

2. Tobacco steals our will. Heroin and cocaine addictions are less powerful than tobacco's.

3. Tobacco steals our money. Our nation spends $180 billion per year on it. Of families who make $25,000 per year or less, 40 percent smoke. A family of four - husband, wife and two children - spends 15 percent of its income, that's $3,750, on tobacco each year. Parents are role models for kids. Wouldn't the children eat and be better clothed with those dollars?

4. Tobacco corrupts our children. Parents who smoke tell their offspring that “using tobacco is OK.” If they care about the health and well-being of their children, they should quit.

Tobacco use will never be unlawful. However, understanding and working to reduce its use will alleviate its impact. For those who are smokers, now is the time to quit.

Dr. Leslie E. Weber

Coralville