There has been a recent surge in the campaign to stop smoking. Laws have been passed in many states banning people from smoking in public places. There are heavy ad campaigns warning people, especially children, of the dangers of smoking. Individuals and organizations have taken a stand against smoking and the health risks it can cause, and they seem to be gaining ground and helping to keep people from becoming smokers. But there are still many people who are already smokers. Some of them have smoked for most of their adult lives. When people urge them to quit, they often wonder, "Why quit smoking?" They figure that the damage has already been done. But here are some reasons why they should quit while they're still ahead (and by "ahead," we mean "alive").

With every cigarette a person smokes, a few things happen. First, that person is increasing his or her risk of contracting a smoking-related disease, such as emphysema, lung cancer, or heart disease. That person is also increasing his or her risk of exacerbating other existing conditions, such as asthma or allergies. Every time a smoker lights up, that person also increases his or her dependence on cigarettes. The smoker's body reacts to the chemicals it receives and the brain becomes addicted to the effect that these drugs have on it. Why quit smoking? Quit so that you're not enslaved to these dangerous chemicals and so that you don't have to live with the threat of smoking-related diseases over your head for the rest of your life.

And this dependence doesn't only refer to a chemical dependence on nicotine. It also refers to the psychological dependence on smoking, and the perpetuation of the idea that the smoker can't quit; that he or she doesn't have what it takes to quit. This is just as dangerous as the physical risks. It could lead to depression. Why quit smoking? Quit so that this habit doesn't control you anymore. You can have control over your own life.

Finally, many smokers give up because they feel that the damage to their bodies and minds is already done. This is patently untrue. While some of the effects may be permanent, many of them are reversible. Within twenty minutes of quitting, your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature should return to normal. Within eight hours, your carbon monoxide and oxygen levels should return to normal. Within twenty-four hours, your risk of heart disease drops. Why quit smoking? Quit because it will make your life better. You can do it.