Benefits of Smoking?

[Rod Serling]

A friend of mine who has collitis, said he was told that smoking is actually good for him. i can't believe that, but is there any truth in it?

Also, I have heard that although smoking is especially bad for diabetics, it actually lowers the blood sugar, so the readings look good. Is this right, and why?

[Robinia]

re the Parkinsons...people with Parkinsons have a lowered dopamine level. Higher dopamine levels are found in those who are prone to addictions (such as smoking) so it is less likely that they will develop Parkinson's.

[Scarlett]

I have colitis and I do remember reading that in some research a slightly lower % of people with colitis that smoked were statistically better off for some reason- that i can't remember! But it wasn't the smoking that made it better, it was just a statistic that less smokers suffered in a certain way than non smokers. Or maybe people who smoked had better success on a certain drug or something. Either way, I'm not about to take it up! You could say that smokers are less obese cos they tend to smoke instead of eat with their tea break. But I have seen some of these skinny 65 year old women (like Dot Cotton!) who smoke and they look disgusting- it's their cats arse mouth that puts me off the most!!

[prattler]

cruella,

once again, how many times do I have to say:stop taking things out of context!You heard this from a nurse, big wah-hay!get a grip!

[prattler]

scarlett, at last, someone talking some sense.nicotine affects our bodies in a lot of ways, once the nicotine receptors have been ignited for instance.but some people with no knowledge and a whole lot of speculation come on and give daft opinions.smoking will NEVER be good for anyone, and I'm a smoker by the way.Different pharmacological actions happen via nicotine, once its in your system for a long time,but its a bit like saying nicotine makes you go to the toilet and poo(which it does) and when you stop smoking you might get constipated.yes, for a brief time till your body adjusts .anyway iots obviously way ovwer the head of some people on here

[Goodsoulette]

I'm a smoker but I do hate anyone advocating the smoking whilst pregnant thing, or in the house round your kids. I can't not look at women in disgust when I see it happening and although normally very shy and reserved I feel able to tut at this.

It's the nicotine thats good for him not the smoking.

[cazzz1975]

I grew up in a house with 2 parents that smoked, the house stank, the walls, ceiling,netting were all musty and brownish and before we could buy shopping we had to make sure that they had enough fags...

I used to smoke, and when you smoke you dont realise how smelly and disgusting it is until you pack it up, I packed it up when I found out I was pregnant and I have never looked back. if its the nicotine that will help him then couldnt he wear a patch?

[smudge]

My poor sister Flo is in the advance stages of Parkinsons, bless her. She had a brain tumour removed in 1974, which they say could have triggered off the Parkinsons - not smoking, 'cos she never has.

A lot of all this is down to luck & guess work!

[cazzz1975]

I think your right smudge, it is luck! I know a lot of smokers who have lived to very ripe old ages and no smoking related problems, I think its all in your genes

[smudge]

You are so right Goodsy - I can't abide to see parents or the like, sorting out their babies/children, with cig's hanging out of their mouths! I remember seeing a young girl smoking away, then licking her babies dummy & shoving it back into its mouth - repulsive!

If anyone who smokes visits us - they have to go out into the garage to smoke - not in our house, I say, not in our house!

[smudge]

Hi cazz - yes, it certainly seems to be luck &/or genes!

My Dad smoked from the age of 14, until he died of prostate cancer aged 85!

My husband's Dad smoked from a similar age, until he died of brain & lung cancer, aged 54!

So there you go.....

[hussy]

my grandpa had gangrene and he was 82. when in the hospital they told him to stop smoking, well the first thing he done was have another cig, bit late for that dont you think???

[shanx]

what a lot of ***** doctors say , i have had friends who gave up years ago, had health problems and ask why , the answer was well you used to smoke , is that a way out for them because they dont know?

[Skreecheeboy]

Prattler, I was being ironic. I am pro choice though. Every smoker knows it's not healthy but I personally like having heightened dopamine levels and being able to improve my concentration by having a fag, much the same as a coffee. I also enjoy the social aspects of it and since I'm not a heavy smoker and I take care of myself I think I'm justified to do it for a wee while yet, though not forever! I agree with Goodsoulette that we should protect children from it though.

[Psychick]

When I was a child, my next door neighbour was diagnosed with MS. Being a smoker she decided to do what she could for her health and gave up smoking. Her MS deteriorated very quickly. Her doctor asked whats changed and she said about quitting. He actually told her to start again and not stop! She did this and amazingly, her MS was lots better!

[Pippa68]

My aunt had MS, and smoking helped her too.

Her doctor insisted that the fact that it eased her symptoms of MS far outweighed the smoking. Unfortunately my aunt died 4 years ago ~ not due to smoking!