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Kicking the habit
Students share different ways to quit smoking
By Denise Schoppe
November 14, 2002
It's not a decision to be made lightly. It has a direct impact on one's health, and is often a struggle from the first moment. It's the decision to quit smoking. Some find it one of the most difficult tasks they have undertaken, while others have no trouble quitting "cold turkey."
Steven Roberts, a junior biomedical sciences major, said he quit smoking almost effortlessly.
"It didn't take much. I just one day went, 'I don't want to smoke anymore,'" Roberts said.
Roberts said he started smoking in high school because it "just seemed like the thing to do." He said non-smoking students sometimes have a hard time understanding smokers' mentality because of health risks.
Allison Klinger, a sophomore anthropology major, said she has an easier time understanding why older generations smoke than she does understanding why her peer group smokes. Klinger said most of her father's family, as well as her maternal grandparents, smoke.
"I can understand (my family members) smoking, though. They were of a different time," she said. "But unfortunately, I also have a couple of friends who smoke. I've never understood how they can get satisfaction from it. I am fortunate enough that my friends show me enough respect not to smoke when I'm around or to go outside to do so."
Klinger said not smoking is something she is passionate about.
"I believe smoking is a disgusting habit. I really don't understand how in today's world people can continue to smoke," Klinger said. "I don't know anyone who doesn't know the hazards that it creates, not only for the smoker, but those surrounding them. If you truly care about someone, how can you expose them to the dangers of secondhand smoke? It's crazy."
To promote the decision to stop smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout, an event that challenges people to stop using tobacco for one day every year.
The event, which became nationally recognized in 1977, is held annually on the third Thursday of November and will land on Nov. 21 this year. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, many people who participate in the event never smoke again.
The Web site reports smokers are most successful in quitting when they use nicotine replacement therapy (such as the patch or gum), counseling, guidebooks and the encouragement of friends and family members.
People who quit smoking often go through various withdrawal symptoms such as depression, frustration, anger, sleeping problems, restlessness and an increased appetite.
However, the A&M Heath Center Web site reports a smoker's health begins to improve within 20 minutes of smoking his last cigarette, and continues to improve as time passes.
As a recent non-smoker, Roberts said he would tell anyone thinking about smoking to consider the consequences.
"It's the dirtiest habit I could have ever picked up," Roberts said.
Roberts said he quit smoking for two reasons.
"Chicks don't like it when guys smoke," Roberts said. "And it's kind of gross."
Jessica Reinders, a senior agricultural development major, said Roberts' theory is correct.
"I would never date anyone who smokes," Reinders said. "Spend some money on dates and not your smoking. It's really not attractive."
Also Found Here
Students share different ways to quit smoking
By Denise Schoppe
November 14, 2002
It's not a decision to be made lightly. It has a direct impact on one's health, and is often a struggle from the first moment. It's the decision to quit smoking. Some find it one of the most difficult tasks they have undertaken, while others have no trouble quitting "cold turkey."
Steven Roberts, a junior biomedical sciences major, said he quit smoking almost effortlessly.
"It didn't take much. I just one day went, 'I don't want to smoke anymore,'" Roberts said.
Roberts said he started smoking in high school because it "just seemed like the thing to do." He said non-smoking students sometimes have a hard time understanding smokers' mentality because of health risks.
Allison Klinger, a sophomore anthropology major, said she has an easier time understanding why older generations smoke than she does understanding why her peer group smokes. Klinger said most of her father's family, as well as her maternal grandparents, smoke.
"I can understand (my family members) smoking, though. They were of a different time," she said. "But unfortunately, I also have a couple of friends who smoke. I've never understood how they can get satisfaction from it. I am fortunate enough that my friends show me enough respect not to smoke when I'm around or to go outside to do so."
Klinger said not smoking is something she is passionate about.
"I believe smoking is a disgusting habit. I really don't understand how in today's world people can continue to smoke," Klinger said. "I don't know anyone who doesn't know the hazards that it creates, not only for the smoker, but those surrounding them. If you truly care about someone, how can you expose them to the dangers of secondhand smoke? It's crazy."
To promote the decision to stop smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout, an event that challenges people to stop using tobacco for one day every year.
The event, which became nationally recognized in 1977, is held annually on the third Thursday of November and will land on Nov. 21 this year. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, many people who participate in the event never smoke again.
The Web site reports smokers are most successful in quitting when they use nicotine replacement therapy (such as the patch or gum), counseling, guidebooks and the encouragement of friends and family members.
People who quit smoking often go through various withdrawal symptoms such as depression, frustration, anger, sleeping problems, restlessness and an increased appetite.
However, the A&M Heath Center Web site reports a smoker's health begins to improve within 20 minutes of smoking his last cigarette, and continues to improve as time passes.
As a recent non-smoker, Roberts said he would tell anyone thinking about smoking to consider the consequences.
"It's the dirtiest habit I could have ever picked up," Roberts said.
Roberts said he quit smoking for two reasons.
"Chicks don't like it when guys smoke," Roberts said. "And it's kind of gross."
Jessica Reinders, a senior agricultural development major, said Roberts' theory is correct.
"I would never date anyone who smokes," Reinders said. "Spend some money on dates and not your smoking. It's really not attractive."
Also Found Here
