Sunday, 16 August 2009

  • Are You Concerned For My Health?

    Before you answer I want you to know a few things about my health and habits. I am epileptic. As a child my seizures were more frequent. There is no cure for my type of epilepsy, nor is there a name. During a seizure my entire body shuts down, my heart, my lungs, etc but I am still subconsciously there. Imagine dying and coming back every single time.

    I smoke, a pack a week. No, I am not addicted. Yes, I am aware of the dangers. No, I do not smoke around other people because believe it or not I am considerate. But no, it is not likely I will quit because knowing the dangers and knowing the perks, I've decided that I am apathetic to the issue. I smoke because I enjoy it. Black and Mild if you're wondering.


    Source

    I drink. I guess I should say I have had liquor before. I am not a regular drinker, I drink only for special occasions. The idea of being drunk does not appeal to me, therefore I never drink that much.

    I do not do any other types of drugs. Not even Tylenol.

    I cannot eat fast food, at least not on a regular. It makes me literally sick to my stomach. And I do not enjoy vomiting. I do not drink soda because it has the same effect on me. Water, juice, and milk are all I drink on a regular.

    I admit my motives for exercising may be superficial (I like looking tone and sexy) but that doesn't change the fact that I run on average 20 miles a week. Except for this weekend because of a leg injury.

    I have health insurance, American health insurance. Which basically means I am uninsured. I do not visit the doctor regularly because I cannot afford it despite my profession.

    My back cannot handle the weight of my chest. I would get a breast reduction if it were not for the fact that I don't have the money to do so.

    Now that you know a little about my body, I am going to ask you a question or ten.

    • Does it make you feel better about yourself to tell me that you can't wait for me to die of cancer? Is your self esteem that low that you feel the need to try to belittle my existence? Do you think that really makes you look like a favorable person? It doesn't, it makes you look like a tool.
    • For the smokers that don't have cancer, and that have never gotten cancer, do you scoff at them? Are you upset because they are exceptions to the general rule of "You smoke therefore you get cancer?" Are you angry that there are living contradictions?
    • Do you really think it's funny to make fun of people that ARE addicted? Do you think that maybe instead you are the on that is weak minded, considering you're a mere pawn in society's game of elitism? You say you'll desecrate on my grave because of my life choices but do you see me desecrating on your grave for yours?

    You're not concerned for my health, you're concerned for your societal position. You're probably not even concerned for your own health or you would simply walk away from the smokers that smoke in public places instead of standing near them and scolding them. You scolding them isn't going to make them change their habits, why do you try so hard to bring others down for your own amusement?

    Have you ever seen the Truth website? Do you notice the games? They are just for people like you: the game where you're shooting smokers? Yeah that's a great way to tell people smoking is bad for them; "everyone owns a gun and will shoot you at any moment you light up." I don't consider any company that belittles people for their own amusement and fuel for their self righteous attitudes.

    They say every cigarette takes off a certain amount of time off your life, which is true. However do you think I would want to live a prolonged period of time amongst people like you? Your ignorance and lack of social grace makes me want to smoke even more.

    If you eat fast food, processed food, or drink soda, do not dare belittle me. Your weight is what causes our public transportation to have poor gas mileage and therefore have to fuel up more, killing resources. Not to mention you make it impossible to be comfortable on an airplane sitting next to you.

    If you drink alcohol, do not dare belittle me. My cigarettes don't cause me to become intoxicated enough to kill people when I'm stupid enough to drive home from a party.

    If you have an eating disorder you especially better not dare to belittle me. You say I'm killing myself by the second, well so are you. At least I will feel alive the moment before I die. At least I won't urinate on myself and collapse in a grocery store because I was too weak to move and control my bodily functions. All because you dream to be thin.

    If your dream is to be orange and you achieve it by sitting in a cancer coffin all day, I don't think you're really in a position to talk about my health at all either.

    So let me ask you, are you really concerned for the health of others or are you only concerned about yourself? Or are you just apathetic?

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Comments (27)

  • BunnyParfait@xanga

    Can you stop editing the title of my entries for your own publicity? Thanks.
  • AdrianRamirez@xanga

    @BunnyParfait@xanga - What'd they change? I thought this title was the same as the one on your blog?
  • BunnyParfait@xanga

    @AdrianRamirez@xanga - It is NOW. Before they had it as "I'm a smoker" or something.
  • josiebunny@xanga

    I used smoke every so often, then I went through a phase where I hated smokers/drinkers because of my family, now I just don't care anymore. People are going to kill themselves in whatever way they want to. All I can do is try to keep myself out of it.
  • AdrianRamirez@xanga

    @josiebunny@xanga - same here.
  • MissPixieGlitter@xanga

    when some people get into xanga altercations, they only want to win. it becomes less about convincing the other person, and unfortunately, more about making the other person look bad so that their points appear more valid. yeah, it's hypocritical for people who engage in other unhealthy habits to look down on you for smoking. but that doesn't make (at least some of) what they're saying any less true - it really is bad for you. but you know that. i don't think anyone resents smokers who don't get cancer; they're the lucky ones. i just wouldn't count on being one of them.

    if you smoking brings you immediate happiness, there's nothing anyone can say about that. i just think it deteriorates the quality of life in the long run.
  • vampyrette@xanga

    I don't think I've ever heard anybody belittle smokers who didn't get cancer. And the only people who say that the smokers that do get cancer deserve it and should not be allowed health care when they need it, are not the kind of people I'd want to be around.

    I don't smoke or drink, but I don't look down on people who do. It's their decision. If I looked down on smokers, I'd also have to look down on one of my best friends and my own mother.

    Saying that all non-smokers look down on smokers is kind of generalizing and stereotyping people based on their worst examples. There are many non-smokers who don't look down on smokers. There are also many non-smokers who are not overweight and who don't have eating disorders.

    Although, I do bet that it gets frustrating to hear people judging you and making comments to you about it. I am sorry that that does seem to happen a lot.

    It's nobody's business if you're a smoker or not. Especially people who don't even know you! I've had people come up to preach to me about something they didn't like, and I didn't know who the heck they were either.

    There's always going to be something people will find about other people to preach to them over. It's just the way it is. But, I agree, nobody has the right to belittle another person, when their habits aren't all squeaky clean, either.
  • xquizit_anga@xanga

    people think they're so perfect, that's why. people look for the faults in others to make up for theirs, and it helps them sleep at night.


    you've hit it spot on, bunny. 
    there's nothing wrong with smoking, just as there's nothing wrong with marijuana. the government just likes to induce fear into our society, and criminalizing and judging smokers is stupid.
    compared to the drinkers, the obese assholes, and everybody else who i forget, smoking is no where near as fatal.
    congrats, you have my admiration.
  • Bunny_On_The_Fritz@xanga

    Looks like we're on the same page when it comes to this subject matter. Great post.

  • Lezontheprowl@xanga

    I am an X-Smoker it has been like 26 years since I gave it up.


    But along with that I gave up drinking and drugs too.


    I understand the damages that I did to myself.


    I just have to say that when ever I am bored I pick up a book instead of things that are bad.


    I also know that we all have choices in this life.


    All I can say is no I am not concerned with your health. unless you are.


    But I can tell you that when you decide to have a baby one day it will effect your child even if you QUIT.


    My mom smoked all thru pregnancy.


    So it is always a choice.....


    I have a friend that has smoked for many years and she started to take opc+ and in two weeks she decided to put the cigarettes down and she was not trying to quit or anything.


    so I thought wow what a great story about the very product that I am taking for back pain that is gone and breathing too


    www.thesimpleanswer.com


    check it out here
  • anonymous

    As a nonsmoker I am similarly highly offended by smokers encouraging me to start.  On several occasions friends have suggested I give it a try and described the advantages of smoking.

    Given the risks involved, I wonder if there are any smokers out their who feel guilty about helping a friend pick up the habit.  How will you feel in the future when you learn a friend you helped start developed an incurable disease?

    I do see the smokers point, that stating the obvious is irritating.  However, if you don't let your opinion be known, people may misunderstand your opinion and feel betrayed later when they find out you can't stand smoking.

    I worked an office, when smoking bans were just becoming common.  The policy was that if even one nonsmoker opposed the smoking, they could anonymously request smoking be banned for that work area.  The smokers were angry when the inevitable request was entered; complaining they had never been asked to not smoke and didn't like that everyone was polite and wouldn't admit they had made the no smoking request.
  • PeanuttJones@xanga

    I smoke want to stop.  Have stopped in the past, to many stressers and to much to tell here.  I have NF1 which is a genetic thing, look it up.  I am probally going to die early due to this.  what ever I have had a great life so far. 


    I do care about others, hate when people poke fun at other casue they're different or what ever.  I hope you always feel well, and hope for the best for you.

  • utopiadeuncuerpoperfecto@xanga

    i dont care about strangers health, just my and my bf.
    My bf and I are non smokers, we drink like once a month, we exercise everyday, wear sunscreen everyday...we still cant give up on fast food but we are working on it.
    I used to care about my family and friends health but they dont care, so if they want to smoke or drink or do whatever they like I accept them, they are all adults who think they know whats best for them.
  • The_Chaotix_Factor@xanga

    I don't smoke now, I never have, and I don't intend to start, ever. And yet I highly agree with your post.


    If I ever get to the point where I'm very financially secure, I want to go skydiving often. And people will tell me it's stupid to risk my life for such that thrill, and tell me stories of people that die doing it and the horrible ways they die, etc. Well, I'm going to do it anyway, and maybe I'll die, and maybe I won't. Ah well.


    That's how everything is, isn't it? Then again, if I was particularly clumsy or was in a particular danger of being harmed or killed while skydiving, it wouldn't be too smart to go that time.. All about the odds, I suppose.
  • astronautical123@xanga

    This is absurd.
  • Losingmyfatass@xanga

    I wish people cared about their own health enough not to smoke.  I wish my father did... I've tried to help him quit countless times.  I wish my brother would quit, but like you, he doesn't care enough about himself to do so.  I REALLY wish it WAS as simple as walking away from cigarette smoke (clearly, when your family and friends smoke it's NOT that simple, but that's beside the point) since it really bothers me, but sometimes it is unavoidable... people smoke near doors, etc. People blow it right in your face. As a kid I got pneumonia from second-hand smoke in my own house, and to this day, I can't stand being around smoke because it is so hard to breathe.  I do care about the lives of SOME smokers at least, even if they don't care about their own, but yes, the main reason why I don't want people to smoke is so I don't have to be around it (I don't think I'm better than smokers, just making a better choice for myself).  Maybe I'm selfish, but maybe smokers should think a bit more about how it affects those around them.  Yes I drink on occasion, but I don't drink and drive as you suggest that all drinkers do.  It doesn't compare... responsible drinkers don't affect others by drinking.  I'm not sure there is such thing as a responsible smoker... I guess that would be someone who only smokes when they are completely alone so no one has to breathe in their smoke?  I generally try to take care of myself, and I would never smoke because it is something that is very easy to avoid and is NOT good for you at all, whether it is ultimately what kills you or not.  If you're not addicted, you should consider stopping now, before you become addicted... is it really worth it?  WHY?
  • Je_Suis_Vrai@xanga

    I don't know why, maybe because I like accepting everyone as much as I can, but smoking does not bother me.  I do not smoke, I hang out with friends who do, I go into small rooms and in cars with people that do and I tell them I don't mind.


    All of your points are so valid.  Who am I to tell off someone for smoking, then turn around and contribute to the depletion of our natural resources in my own selfish ways? It makes no sense. You take care of yourself the best you can. Smoking is a bad habit, but these days, you name just ONE habit that is totally good in every way and see how much time it takes to do so.  Cig smoking is like, one of the least of our worries today.  Not every kid gets cancer because their parent smokes.
  • Je_Suis_Vrai@xanga

    Also, in the extreme case a child does get cancer, that's the parents' fault.  They can easily smoke outside, don't blame millions of people for the inconsiderate ones.  What the hell? That's the type of dangerous thinking that leads to mass genocides and stereotyping.
  • cutesycharm@xanga

    This is a really great post. To be honest. I'm not concerned about MOST people's health if they are smokers, but if I know them (online or off) I am a bit concerned. I don't HATE smokers, I hate the ACT of smoking itself. The problems that come with smoking are far more scary than a lot of things, but its all equal when it comes down to it. 
  • B1ANCACACA@xanga

    If you want to continue smoking and damage your health, good for you.  
  • anonymous

    I'm a smoker, I always have wine with meals and and I'm 66 and very fit. How it infuriates these weedy prigs with their health rules, their constant anxieties for 'acceptance' and ´getting ahead', their boring and unimaginative lives  - and their own sordid vices, envy, money-grubbing and doing everyone else down. In any case, most of the so-called 'scientific research' is superstitious rubbish promoted for quite different reasons than benevolent concern for anyone else's welfare.
  • mondaysdawn@xanga

    I have horrible asthma. If I even smell smoke on your clothes, I get to run for an inhaler, and I do mean literally, or I'll cough up a lung. Fun times.  So if I'm asking you to stand away (in circumstances where I can't just leave) from me or not smoke in my car, it is entirely selfish. And trust me, huffing last year's Albuterol from what looks like a mace can is not for my own amusement.  I'm more concerned for my health than for yours and I have no problem admitting that.

    But for someone who seems pretty opposed to what you see as ignorance, you sure do sound ignorant about eating disorders. I don't stuff my mouth with food on "bad" days and restrict to high hell on "good" days, literally despising myself the whole time, because I want to fit into an XS shirt size.

    -Monday
  • xiaosnowtenshi@xanga

    I don't look down on smokers. However, I can't stand those who insist on smoking in crowded areas with children present (their own children) or those who claim they're going to be the lucky cancer free ones. Don't give the fact that not everyone dies from smoking as a good reason to smoke; you're playing russian roulette with yourself. (no, I don't think this is a good reason for anything else either) My profession requires me to work with smokers everyday. It irks me to listen to people in their twenties and younger who don't take quitting seriously because they're only "trying" due to the concern of their parents...when I have to listen to people who have already developed cancer and are dying. 


    If I don't know you I'm not going to scold you, but I do think that if someone who loves you wants you to stop then maybe you should put in some serious effort. For the record I scarcely drink, exercise 4-5 days a week, and eat out 1-2 time(s) a week. I'm even trying to change that last part, seeing as a combination of bad eating habits and smoking has required constant hospital visits for my dad. So as someone who is aware of her own bad habits and is trying to change, I think smokers can stop if they really want to. It'll take a lot of effort, but there are resources. 
  • BunnyParfait@xanga

    @mondaysdawn@xanga - Ignorant on disorders? I suffered from orthorexia for 6 years. Stay on topic.
  • paper_swords@xanga

    no one cares about your life.


    kill yourself quietly.

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