Considering all the solid evidence about how smoking seriously messes up your health, it's hard to believe that some people still light up.
But they do — except these days, they smoke with one caveat. Instead of chain-smoking or indulging a pack-a-day habit, increasing numbers of young smokers say they only puff on a part-time basis, say fewer than six cigarettes daily.
So why do they do it at all? Some of these part-timers are attracted to the taboo aspect of the habit, so they only puff while out socially to appear more badass. Others say that cigarettes help them relieve stress, so limit their smoking to when work gets hectic or when they're dealing with relationship issues.
Thing is, when it comes to the damage cigarettes can do, less isn't any better. Experts say that smoking any amount of cigarettes — even a few on Saturday nights — exposes your system to toxins and carcinogens that may lead to a host of serious conditions. You know about lung cancer and heart disease. But consider a few side effects that primarily effect young adults, such as premature aging of the skin (read: wrinkles and blotches) and fertility issues. Yep, studies show that female smokers are more likely to have damaged eggs, problems conceiving, and a higher miscarriage rate than nonsmokers.
So don't kid yourself — the whole part-time puffing thing is really no less harmful than a hard-core habit. If you fall into the part-time camp, consider contacting smoking cessation groups in your area or checking in with your doctor, who can suggest effective strategies to help you kick butt for good.