Why would the guy have a signature saying..about "His formally nicotine strained fingers"....I guess...that's not cigars..he's talking about....
FWIW- I'm in the Medical Field...Nicotine..is a harsh substance...One of the biggest Vasoconstriction substances around...Of course it isn't good for you...for many reasons...CA,HTN, Heart DZ...etc..We ask cigarette smokers all the time..."How many packs a day, for how many years"
Two packs a day for 40 years...is a 80 yr pack history. Generally...that's not a good thing. Either you have horrible COPD, CA, or bad heart DZ...I'm guessing Rush smoked for many years...maybe 30 years or more...before turning to cigars...Which granted...if you inhale them..that isn't good either....
FWIW-
I know he installed a significant air filtration system in his house to take care of cigar smoke inside. I doubt he’d do that for the occasional cigar.
Yes, his “formerly nicotine-stained fingers” comment referred to when he used to smoke cigarettes. I have no idea how long he smoked cigarettes nor do I know whether he inhales cigars. I smoke occasional cigars, too, and no way in hell would I inhale but some people do.