Healthy people live a kind of care-free life that every single human being in this world desires and most certainly deserves.

Why in the world would you destroy the gift of health if you are fortunate enough to have it?

Cigarette use in young people especially on college campuses has increased significantly over the last few years and I wish I knew what the motive was. Is it the idea of self destruction that attracts people? Do people feel it makes them more attractive? Or is it the actual action of smoking that truly makes you feel better inside? Whatever it is, I can promise you it is it not worth ruining yours or someone else's health.

I am 21 one years old and I don't live the type of life that most people my age do. I was diagnosed eight years ago with Type 1 Diabetes. This diagnosis has taken a huge hit on what once was my perfect health. When I was younger, I remember my doctor telling me I was "as healthy as can be." and little did I know how much of a blessing this truly was. Having great health means no daily meds, no daily shots, no constant fear of making one wrong medical move that lands you in the hospital or even kill you.

My disease is a nightmare and I wouldn't wish it or any disease on my worst enemy.

I went ahead and did some research on some horrifying facts and statistics on betobaccofree.hhs.gov. More than 16 million people already have at least one disease from smoking. This statistic hits me hard. Three million Americans are living with Type 1 Diabetes and did absolutely nothing to cause this for themselves. These 3 million people would gladly trade places with one of the 16 million people who were disease free until smoking cigarettes. 8.6 million people live with a serious illness caused by smoking. You may be thinking that these are only people who smoke packs a day, but that is certainly not the case. Every single smoker started with one cigarette.

Here's another statistic:

On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers. That is a whole lot of life to be missing out on. Even if it were 6 months or 1 year earlier, It wouldn't be worth it.

I am in no way talking down on the character of anyone who has a smoking habit or enjoys an occasional "drunk cig". I know many people who smoke and I love them dearly, but a handful of those people are no longer here because of it.

Every person I have ever met who smokes cigarettes wishes they could quit. I am positive than I'm not the only person who is aware of this fact. Knowing this is enough for me to never pick up a cigarette. Being sad-drunk, stressed, or whatever reason you may have to smoke is not a good enough reason to start the habit. I know I am not alone when I say I'm here for anyone who needs to talk about ANYTHING. Cigarettes are not the answer for the stresses you face, they will only cause more stress for you.

I know most of you reading this consider yourselves a light smoker, so I'm going to leave you with this bit from an article I found about light smokers on LiveScience.com. "Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, compounds and carcinogens, hundreds of which are toxic and at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer. A person doesn't have to be a heavy smoker to suffer from the ill effects of these chemicals any exposure to them could damage DNA in a way that leads to cancer.". Any exposure to cigarettes at all can harm you and the people you love.

Please think again before taking your health and others for granted. Being healthy and beautiful inside and out is a blessing, don't ruin it.