Although there are some people who live into their 90’s while still smoking, these are the exception and not the rule. Even then, if you do manage to live longer, the quality of your life decreases significantly. The medical complications that accompany chronic smoking can make your remaining life quite unbearable. The good news, however, is that there is hope. These are 25 important things you should know before smoking your next cigarette.
8.6 million people in the United States live with a serious smoking-related illness

In 2013, U.S. states collected more than $25 billion from tobacco taxes and only 2% of that was spent on tobacco control programs

Tobacco companies pay for most of the anti-smoking campaigns that you are exposed to (they are legally required to do so because of a legal settlement in 1998)

Smoking makes your hair turn gray faster

1000 infants die every year because of smoking during pregnancy

Children who are exposed to second hand smoke experience a wide range of complications including asthma, infections, and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)

Exposure to second hand smoke kills 50,000 people in the United States every year

1 out of every 5 deaths in United States is caused by smoking

Smokers have up to a 400% higher chance of getting a heart attack than a non-smoker

Every single day in the United States 4000 teenagers smoke their first cigarette

1000 of them will go on to continue smoking daily

Cigar and pipe smoking is not any safer than cigarettes

69% of smokers would like to completely quit smoking

30% of cancers could be prevented by avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating healthy, and exercising

Although the legality/effects of marijuana itself is constantly being fought over, one thing is for sure - any form of smoke damages your lungs whether it is tobacco, marijuana, or even just a barbecue

Several well reported studies showed that smoking tobacco decreases your chance of getting Alzheimer's. It was revealed years later that all of the researchers behind these papers actually worked for the tobacco industry (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 19, no. 2, 2010)

Every cigarette you smoke reduces your lifespan by 11 minutes

On average, adult male smokers will lose 13.2 years and females will lose 14.5

Yes, its true that one day you will die anyway. So why not just smoke it up while you can right? Well here's some food for thought - It's not the death you are trying to avoid, but rather the prolonged suffering from numerous heart and lung complications that will make your life unbearable

Usually smokers draw on lite and menthol cigarettes longer than average which causes the same amounts of tar and nicotine to be inhaled

One cigarette contains more than 4,800 chemicals

69 of them are known to cause cancer

Wayne McClaren and David McClean, two of the actors that played the Marlboro Man ended up dying of cancer. McClean's family even filed a lawsuit against Marlboro (Philip Morris)

Within 15-30 minutes of inhaling cigarette smoke your body begins to undergo changes that immediately increase your risk of cancer (yes, this even counts for your first cigarette)

If you are trying to quit though, it's never too late. As soon as you quit your body will begin to undergo changes once again and before long you'll be back to good health!
