Does Smoking have Any Health Benefits?

The Straight Dope ^ | Cecil Adams

[netmilsmom]

My hubby has been sending things from this site all night. The guy is pretty funny!

[netmilsmom]

ping!

[Cold Heat]

LOL!

Actually, smoking keeps me broke, so that I can fully appreciate the value of money.

It also gives me something to do with my mouth while I type.

Therefore I see it as a anti-depression drug.:-)

To make it impossible to treat my illness by forbidding smoking is contrary to my health and welfare and unconstitutional!

[Dianna]

Actually, smoking keeps me broke, so that I can fully appreciate the value of money.

My husband had a meeting today in one of the state office buildings down in Frankfort (KY). He said you can still smoke all over the building. I was shocked! LOL!

[uglybiker]

Smoking pisses off the nanny-state types. And that makes me happy.

[netmilsmom]

Ask SheLion about getting a fine injector machine.
88 cents a pack!

I feel you'll be happier not so broke.

[El Conservador]

Yes, and shooting yourself in the head is very healthy, if you're worried about mental well-being.

"The risk of Alzheimer's disease decreased with increasing daily number of cigarettes smoked before onset of disease. . . . In six families in which the disease was apparently inherited . . . the mean age of onset was 4.17 years later in smoking patients than in non-smoking patients from the same family" (British Medical Journal, June 22, 1991). "Although more data are needed . . . [an analysis of 19 studies suggests] nicotine protects against AD" (Neuroepidemiology, 1994). Nicotine injections significantly improved certain types of mental functioning in Alzheimer's patients (Psychopharmacology, 1992). One theory: nicotine improves the responsiveness of Alzheimer's patients to acetylcholine, an important brain chemical.

Or could it be because of the fact that you'll die of lung cancer before you're old enough to develop Alzheimer's???

[sinkspur]

Why not smoke cigars if you want a nicotine fix?

I smoke one or two a week, with a glass of port.

Wonderful!!!

[netmilsmom]

I don't think I would be very happy, haunted by my dad with the words, YOU ARE A LADY, ACT LIKE ONE!

I just sit around and breathe my hubby's second hand smoke.

My Mom drank Port.

[Consort]

Smoking does prevent some people from dying of old age and does prevent some others from dying of natural causes, but I don't think anyone has accurate figures on it.

[netmilsmom]

Lighten up FRiend. It's funny.

[Ronin]

One cigarette, consumed slowly before a firing squad, can delay death from between 5 to 7 minutes depending on brand and length.

[Choose Ye This Day]

Cecil is great (if irreverent). Pick up his "Straight Dope" books at the library or bookstore. They're fascinating, and fun to read. He has been around for many, many years.

[Judith Anne]

True story, I heard on some news broadcast in the past week that researchers are going to try using nicotine patches for early cognitive disorders (early Alzheimer's).

Years ago I read some research that the brain waves of smokers are predominantly beta waves (associated with reasoning) as opposed to non-smokers alpha waves (associated with feelings). That's if I remember correctly, which I think I do...;-D

[Sunshine55]

[yournamehere]

Does Smoking have Any Health Benefits?

Sure it does. It kills airborn germs in your lungs, which will keep you from getting sick. I hear the little rascals can't stand smoke. As a bonus, drinking kills germs in your bloodstream.

I plan to live forever, so I'm doing my best to kill ALL the germs in my body!

[Psycho_Bunny]

Does Smoking have Any Health Benefits?

For me, as a smoker?  No.

But smoking has saved the lives of countless morons I've encountered.  Sometimes the only thing standing between them and the Abyss of Infinity is the little stick of smoldering weed in my hand.

[greenwolf]

Does Smoking have Any Health Benefits?

It can prevent death due to old age...

[NYCVirago]

For me, as a smoker? No. But smoking has saved the lives of countless morons I've encountered. Sometimes the only thing standing between them and the Abyss of Infinity is the little stick of smoldering weed in my hand.

Same here! I had the same thought as you when I saw the headline. ;)

[alisasny]

You can get Cecils books. They are a good read that ought be kept in the bathroom : )