Posted by laima on October 30, 2006, at 8:10:05
In reply to Re: vices debate: cigarrettes VS alcohol, posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 30, 2006, at 3:17:24
Yes, moderation of course! The French are particularly famous for that, with all of their butter and cream and wine and croissants, aren't they?
But then, I wonder, what if the person was smoking heavier, like half pack a day, and drinking more than he claimed- he's quite the partier-and he wants to decide which is "worse"- then what do people think is worse? (Per observable evidence, I think he was using more of each than he reported)- and let me tell you, the debate got "testy" when people wondered about heavier use of either, ie- in that case, what would be worse? And there was one person who proudly described quitting drinking easily, cold- but then it came out that it was by smoking tons of cigarrettes instead. They distracted her from thinking about drinking and "gave her something to do" during social events. Did she do herself any favor? She thinks she will be able to "just quit" cigarettes later, too- and I thought- oh- with another substitute? See what I mean? She figured that since she stuck to the "organic cigarrettes" she wasn't too bad off- but she was up to about half pack or more per day! So I don't know if this is an answerable question, or too abstract, but it's got me awfully curious now.Ps- is smoking as "demonized" in England and Finland as it is here in the US- or is it an American phenomena? I wonder if there is a mythology building up, OVER-emphasizing smoking's very real dangers...I mean, binge drinking and heavy drinking is bad, very bad- but it doesn't seem to be treated as the same sort of social faux-pas or moral failing in most circles as is smoking cigarrettes. It's become illegal to smoke in BARS in some cities, such as New York, and smoking is almost getting to be looked at as a quasi-moral failing as opposed to a unhealthy habit. Not just due to second hand smoke- just the fact that someone would smoke at all. Even that author I saw last night joked that when she lit up in the street in the US, people glared at her and she felt judged, as if she was a criminal, and that really perterbed and bewildered her. I also can't help but note that yes, there is a second-hand smoke issue- but some drunks get loud and even violent, hence bothering others, too. I guess this is a "culture" question that I am asking here. (Maybe it's kind of abstract and without a real answer.) (?)
What do you think?
Thanks!
> Hey!
>
> This is something I have given coniderable thought to.
>
> I'm actually in line with that woman who you saw talk. Yes, I live in Europe, so that might colour my opinions!
>
> I honestly don't see the major harm in say, smoking 2 cigarettes 3 times a week. In fact, I used to do that, but with maybe one cigarette. I personally think that the level of pollutants you'll receive from the atmosphere alone, if you live in a city like New York or London, would equal one or two cigarettes a day at least. And the same thing with drink. In fact, isn't moderate red wine drinking supposed to be encouraged?
>
> Look at the Mediterranean countries. They have some of the longest life expectancies around -- they regularly drink, smoke, drink expressos, etc. But, its all in moderation, and they are generally lean, exercise in their daily habits, and eat plenty of fruit and vegatables.
>
> Plus, there's lots of things which are even more important to your health, such as exercise and and eating lots of fruit and vegetables. As in, not many people make a fuss over the fact that eating fruit and vegeatables are a very good way of warding off cancer for example...but its all skewed to 'don't smoke, don't drink'.
>
> I mean, you hear about how smoking is bad for you, and you're treated like a social leper, but being morbidly obese is probably assocaited with just as many negative health consequences as smoking or drinking in moderation are, but there's less emphasis on that. Or if you eat alot of chargrilled red meat - thats supposed to be extremely carciogenic.
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> Cancers related to smoking are easy to prove - however, cancers related to other factors (such a s the chargrilled red meat thing) aren't. So they get less emphasis. And how can eating something like red meat be unhealthy right? Its hard to change people's opinions.
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> Anyway, there are studies that show that a 'healthy brace of toxicity' is what the body needs, to help keep the systems sharp that do process waste.
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> Moderation is key.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Meri
poster:laima
thread:698744
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20060727/msgs/698978.html