CDC releases new graphic anti-smoking ads

(Photo by Geierunited)

A new study finds that cigarette smoking is higher among the mentally ill:

March 28, 2013

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has once again released a batch of graphic anti-smoking ads, aimed at motivating smokers to quit by showing the horrible health effects of the nasty habit…

For the next 12 weeks, the grisly ads will run as public service announcements on TV and in movie theaters, magazines, and newspapers; all contain real people with smoking-related health problems such as throat cancer that destroyed the larynx, diabetes that led to a leg amputation, and a life-threatening asthma attack in a teen who was exposed to second-hand smoke.

There’s “very strong scientific evidence” that such public awareness tactics have led to an increase in the number of smokers who successfully quit, said CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden in a press briefing on Thursday. http://www.boston.com/dailydose/2013/03/28/will-the-cdc-new-anti-smoking-ads-really-help-smokers-quit/Hpa1HwaHRqEHTNtXgTELCI/story.html

Smoking is dangerous and hurts the smoker and those around the smoker. While quitting smoking is difficult for most smokers. The advertisements should help some, at least a little. Of course, if the CDC would allow more graphic anti-abortion ads, as well as sponsor the, the abortion rate could possibly drop. But that is not politically correct in the modern USA.

As far as smoking does, ff course, no one should smoke.

Notice some of what the Bible teaches:

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

37…”‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Consider that smoking does not glorify God in your body–it harms your body. Consider that smoking also does not show love towards one’s neighbor–it harms your neighbor. Smoking is normally a sin, though for the mentally ill it is more of a crutch. Of course, smoking is not the Unpardonable Sin and can be stopped.

Smoking is wrong and it kills people. God wants people to change/repent (Acts 17:30)–which means that, despite its difficulties it can be done (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). While there are physical devices, etc. that can help one quit, the Bible shows that Christians, with God’s help, can overcome sins, and it does not exclude smoking.

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Is Smoking a Sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change?
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it?
Air Pollution More Than Doubles Autism Risk There is an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism. Is environmental pollution a factor?
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it?