I’ve often wondered why people smoke cigarettes. For decades, it’s been known they are a sure way to damage your health and since 1971, at least in Canada, cigarette advertising has been banned on TV, radio, billboards, etc. Images on cigarette packs are graphic as to the damage caused by smoking. Images of damaged teeth, black lungs, fetal damage, and the direct statement that cigarette smoke causes cancer. Yet people continue to do it.
Is it a crutch, an outlet for frustration, or something else? I’ve never met a smoker who doesn’t regret the day he or she started and how it controls them. And think of the lost production time thanks to smoking. At places I’ve worked, people will come into the office and within 15 minutes are outside “for a smoke.” They do this 3-5 times per day for 10 minutes a day but do they make up for that time? In most cases, the answer is no. Then there is the staggering health care costs and the dangers of secondhand smoke. Smoking ultimately killed both my parents, and likely had a strong hand in the death of my oldest sibling 15 years ago.
John Berkovich Talks 