There is this local publisher in our community who used to be a chain smoker. He started smoking way back in his teens and had since smoked one or two packs a day. Now, he has quit the habit, only because he was diagnosed of lung cancer.

He is rapidly losing weight - an indication that the cancer is advancing in stage. He tells his colleagues he is very sorry he did not quit long before, when his lungs were still healthier. There is no way he can reverse it now and he acknowledges the fact  there is nothing that could be done anymore.

In his wish to discourage others from smoking, he has  posted his recent picture showing his present physical state - thin, haggard, with his cheeks hollow, eyes deep and somber and bones jutting out through his parched skin. Below the photo is a caption  - ‘I have lung cancer. Don’t be like me. Don’t smoke”. His intention is good and to an extent, heroic. His image definitely drives the message, and is much more striking than the general label in cigarette packs that says: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: SMOKING KILLS”.

Just how many of  us practically burn money each day on cigarettes? For the transient pleasure it gives when the smoke is puffed in and out the mouth, lungs and nose - the subsequent result is a total punishment. Enjoy now, repent later.

Funny, but one woman I know, who smoookessss all the way  - from the time she wakes up to the time she sleeps - claims she has her own health defense against the adverse effects of smoking.  She takes a glass or two of carrot juice everyday, believing that the beta carotene content of said vegetable can help save her from the Big C. Lol! This is just like being bulimic. Overeat now, then take laxatives or induce vomiting later; or in the case of a diabetic - indulge in sweeties now, then take medicines later. Unfortunately, the damaging effect of the sinful act cannot be obliterated by the succeeding ‘compensating’ act.

While smoking has been proven to be a health hazard, it cannot be totally banned. For one, the government needs the revenues that it squeezes from the tobacco industry. Although there has been a big decline in cigarette manufacturing due to the increased awareness of people about its injurious results, still, smoking prevails, and perhaps, stay - for as long as there are cigarettes around.