It is hard now to trace the moment when a woman first lit and took a cigarette in her mouth. It is even more difficult to trace the smoking habit phenomenon among women.

Maybe it happened with an emancipation break out, when the female part of the humanity decided to be equal with men in everything; or with advertising campaign of American Tabacco in 1928, that persuaded women that they would look stylish smoking. “Instead of a sweet, reach for a smoke”, suggested its slogan. Some time before that, a smoking woman was a symbol of poor character, low social status and prostitution. And just a successful propaganda turned her into independent, fun and hip.

Anyway, no matter what caused that – here we are: the number of smoking females now makes 56% of all smokers (statistics of 2005). Well, seems like women did it - got equal with men in smoking. But as proved by the history (and Bible in particular) women are seldom indulged with the forgiveness for the sins. (I guess this injustice is just a given and there are hardly any ways to change that!) And here again – bad news. Smoking does more harm to the woman than to a man.

The heart disease, often caused by smoking is one of the most widespread reasons of women death. Smoking also causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and greatly increases the risk of ovarian, breast, vulvar and cervical cancer.

Things get worse when the woman who smokes decides to give birth to a child. It is high time to give up a bad habit and have a child born healthy. Otherwise, tobacco chemicals passed to the fetus intoxicate its blood and can be harmful for the mother, causing preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, low birthweight, placenta previa, miscarriage, and even neonatal death. Born from the smoking mothers children experience more colds, respiratory diseases and have generally weaker health than those born from non-smokers.

Weight loss and stress relief are the major reasons among those “mature” smokers which they put forward as an excuse not to break up and sign up divorce papers with their cigarette. If you still consider it is better to let the nicotine burn your calories in exchange of burning your lungs (and health of your future baby and your personal health) – you are probably making wrong choice. If you still believe nicotine reduces your stress level – you are definitely making a wrong assumption. The cigarettes relieve temporary nervous tension, enhancing general stress. Addiction causes stress, it is then alleviated by smoking and the circle is closed.

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Anyway, unlike in the closed circle, there’s an exit from the tunnel of the bad habit. If you experience troubles quitting (well, they only seem troubles – it is easier than you think), concentrate on things that will help to adjust to the non-smoking life: get rid of all the stuff that can be associated with the old habit (ashtrays, lighters, etc), announce your new non-smoking status to everyone so you have no way back (otherwise, you will have a reputation of one not keeping your word and they will think twice before loaning you money again), get busy with something as soon as you have an urge to smoke, use medications to help the process go successfully (nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler and nasal spray are the options available at the drugstores – just remember to consult your doctor as for their use).

And don’t get depressed if something is not working – you are on your way to the healthier life, which should be encouraging!

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