Many people have never heard of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But it’s a lung condition that includes emphysema  and chronic bronchitis, and is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. People who have it can end up with inflamed or damaged airways that make it difficult to breathe. In most cases, COPD is caused by smoking. It is not a glamorous disease. The most recognizable symptom of COPD is a chronic, hacking cough. And yet, over the years, celebrities who have suffered from COPD—most of whom developed emphysema from smoking—have, through their fame, brought greater awareness to this serious and life-threatening disease. 

Read more on Christy Turlington’s Battle with Emphysema…

Smokers who want to light up after a meal are finding it increasingly difficult to do so in a growing number of states. Since California adopted a smoke-free law in 1998, half the states have followed suit, with some states banning smoking completely in workplaces, restaurants and in some bars. Smoking bans are nothing if not controversial, at least as they’re being proposed and implemented. But are they effective? 

Read more on Smoking Ban: Too Much, Too Soon…

Smoking has many negative effects on the skin. It is known to accelerate the aging process resulting in wrinkles and brown spots that make a person look much older than his years. When a smoker puckers his lips to puff on the cigarette, it causes wrinkles to develop around the mouth. Smoking also makes the skin look much duller and ruddier and causes it to lose the shine and brightness associated with a healthy, youthful complexion. Smoking also increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which results in the increase of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that induce aging. Carbon monoxide also dries the skin which further accelerates the process of aging. A smoker ages about five times faster than a non-smoker due to the increase of free radicals caused by the carbon monoxide in smoke. Many smokers have noticed that their skin looks much healthier and brighter as the free radicals in the cells decrease.  

Read more on How Electronic Cigarettes Help Smokers Age Gracefully…

A tall nonfat  caramel machiatto with extra foam please. Just hold the smoke. Smokers are running out of room. Due to a growing number of California communities banning cigarette smoking in public places, lighting up is becoming more of a challenge. Even local Starbucks coffee houses, where cups of joe and cigarettes traditionally go hand in hand, recently have joined the smoke free bandwagon. 

Read more on How Smoking Bans Turns Smokers to Electronic Cigarettes…