When people think of diseases associated with smoking cigarettes they often think of lung cancer or heart disease. Whilst these are the most known diseases it is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some of the lesser known diseases caused by smoking:
• Cancer: bladder, liver, colorectal, cervical
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Vision loss
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stroke
• Weakening of bones
• Hearing loss
• Poor circulation
• Crohn’s disease
• Acid reflux
This is by no means the entire list of diseases caused by smoking. The question is, given the fact that we know that smoking destroys our health why in most cases can’t we just quit smoking?
The answer to this lies in the fact that the subconscious mind associates smoking with safety and survival. Since the subconscious is the most powerful part of the body, what the subconscious wants is what the body gets.
It is inherent in us to be part of a group, to belong as if you are in a group your chances of safety and survival are increased. People usually start smoking to fit in with those around them, in other words to increase their sense of belonging. The subconscious associates smoking with safety and survival and that is why smoking has such a strong hold over people. That is why people will continue to smoke cigarettes despite knowing it is destroying their health.