cigars and health
 

Hello, My name is Shaman Smith (yes actual name) and I have just recently turned 18 and when I raise the appropriate funds me and my friend were going to drive down to this place called Tinderbox to get some cigars. But I have some questions.

Up until now I really haven't done any potentially hazards things to my health (unless you count being fat), never smoked anything, drank, I’ve even managed to evade being sick much of my life so I have never really taken any medications either. And this whole while I have seen read and heard many things about the dangers of such things I have stated above. And believe you me, I am as skeptical of this fear mongering as the next guy with aluminum foil as a hat. Yet despite this I do find even the prospect of developing tongue and throat cancer a bit...unsavory.

So without relying upon some faceless company's research I would rather ask the people of this forum-

Does anyone have, or knows someone who has, any health problems due to smoking (specifically cigars)? And if I plan smoking no more than roughly 2 cigars a week am I in any real danger?

Thanks

Re: cigars and health
 

I dont see any problems with my health. I guess if you dont inhale the cigar, there is vary little risk. Mouth cancer is found more in dip that anything else. All I can suggest is brush your teeth and rinse with a good mouth wash after, the greatest risk is from kissing a girlfriend or wife who doesnt care for it.

Re: cigars and health
 

You're a big boy now. You can decide whether or not a risk is acceptable to you. I smoke cigars because I enjoy it. There is a potential health hazard, albeit small. However, I as a grown man have made the decision that the enjoyment I get out of cigars is worth the risk.

Re: cigars and health
 

yes, well me being a "big boy" now has no bearing weather or not smoking is actually harmful..which was the entirety of my post.

Re: cigars and health
 

As with any smoking, risks do go up with imbibing. The stats show the risk to be minimal, in a statistical sense. In order for it to be zero for some, it must be above average for others. You may or may not be in a group at the extremes of the averages. Caveat Emptor and all that.

Re: cigars and health
 

Yes it is harmful to you. So are cigarettes and booze but you know what....they taste GREAT! You only live once, don't miss out on anything you want to do. You don't get a second chance to do it all over again. IMHO 2 a week isn't a problem, although if you do get cancer there isn't too much proof that cigars did it. Theres always stories of that 95 year old 4 pack a day smoker in perfect health. You really need to decide this one for yourself, all of us can only give you the "go for it" because we do. It's enjoyable and if I do get mouth cancer so be it.

EDIT frankly having sex has it's own set of risks, you take that risk....because does anyone really want to be a virgin forever. I don't think so. Just sayin'. Life is a risk.

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Of course its harmful, most things worth doing are. You will increase your risk of certain cancers by smoking.

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That's the truth.

I had a neighbor once who was 95, smoked cigarettes around the clock, drank beer, and was in great health. He would even walk down the hill to the grocery store and lug all his groceries back up the hill. I'm sure we can all cite examples like this. Even George Burns who had like 15 cigars everyday, and smoked for 70 years.

The other side of the coin, I had a coworker, who was in perfect health, ate only healthy foods, went to the gym, then tragically died of brain cancer. Also had another coworker who was also in perfect health, went to the gym, ate healthy, then tragically died in a skiing accident. :sh

Being really careful in life is no guarantee of any sort. You just never know.

To answer your question, no, I don't know anybody who had/has health problems related to cigar smoking.

Re: cigars and health
 

I know of noone that has had a significant health problems SOLELY due to smoking cigars. But as others have stated above, there is a risk in it. I, like the others, am willing to take that risk because of the pleasure this great hobby provides me. :2

Re: cigars and health
 

Smoking cigars obviously won't make you healthier, but neither will eating fast food, drinking caffeine, breathing smoggy air, or a number of other things we all do.

I don't personally know anyone with any cigar-related illnesses, but I imagine if you do it long enough you might end up with something.

I do have a suggestion for you. Don't smoke cigars just for the sake of smoking. Smoke good cigars that you enjoy. And by smoking good cigars your mouth won't taste like an ashtray when you wake up the next morning.

Re: cigars and health
 

If you are concerned with the health implications of smoking cigars I would suggest you speak to your physician. Anecdotal information is of little use. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the impact on your personal health better than anyone else.

Please take the time to introduce and tell us a bit about yourself here:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7

Re: cigars and health
 

I explained to my doctor, that cigars are the thing that keeps stress from killing me, at this point in my life. It is my chance to relax from the stresses of work, going through a divorce, etc.

Re: cigars and health
 

i'd say i'm in better health since i can now relax.

Re: cigars and health
 

Probably painting with a broad brush, but I tend to look at people who enjoy fine cigars, fine wine, great coffee, hot women, fast cars, exotic travel and the McRib sandwich to have a commonality;

they take calculated risks, weigh the good and bad, work as hard as they play, generally keep their vices to a ceratin level of moderation and are normally in the upper level of intellectuality.

Of course there are exceptions to the rule.

Plenty of athletes lighting up a cigar after a title, guys celebrating monumental moments with a cigar, and guys in their golden years enjoying cigars. Same applies to our sisters of the leaf; all around funner to be around.

You probably could find a healthier hobby and at 18, still can save yourself.

Re: cigars and health
 

My mom had cancer about 2 years ago. It was throat cancer and all of her doctors ruled out smoking as the cause, even though she she had a cigar here and there, smoked cigarettes over 15 years ago, and works in our shop where customers smoke all day long inside. I have had customers tell their cardiologist that they smoke cigars and the doctor said to them oh then you don't really smoke. I have had countless people tell me that their doctors tell them not to even worry about cigar smoking.

The way I look at it is that you are going to get something or your not. Smoking may increase those odds but probably not significantly enough to worry about.

There is a study out there that actually shows there are no really risks when smoking cigars. I forget who did it but basically they found that 1 to 2 a day you have the same health risks as a non-smoker and they only found a very slight increase when you step up to 5 or more a day, but it still wasn't enough to worry about.

Everything in moderation. Go get a cigar and enjoy it!

Re: cigars and health
 

Being overweight is a bigger health issue than a cgar every now and then

Re: cigars and health
 

Yup....I smoke an average of 7-10 cigars a week. I have, in my eyes, increased my risk of cancer slightly...and decreased the risk of having a stress related stroke immensely. :2

Re: cigars and health
 

Had these very conversations with my doctor a couple of years ago.

I started smoking a cigar every night after work, dinner and kids to bed and reduced my blood pressure significantly. While the doctor didn't want to necessarily "endorse" the smoking, he agreed that it was better than stroking out in the driveway from stress.

Re: cigars and health
 

Best Advice thus far.

Re: cigars and health
 

I am fairly health conscious and did quite a bit of research before entering into the hobby. Is cigar smoking a healthy activity without risk? Absolutely not. I have simply made the informed decision that cigars pose an acceptable amount of risk when used in moderation. For me, moderation means between zero and two cigars a week. I probably average about 1.5 cigars per week. The enjoyment and relaxation outweighs the relatively mild statistical risk. I hedge my bets by eating very well, getting proper amounts of sleep, and scheduling moderate physical activity on a regular basis.

Almost no hobby or task is without risk. I enjoy flying airplanes. Sometimes the weather is bad. Do I swear never to fly because there is a possibility of injury or death? Heck no, it brings far too much enjoyment! I get all the information I can (weather breifings, etc) and make a prudent choice based on my idea of an acceptable amount of risk.

My father has smoked 5 cigars daily for as long as I can remember. Two years ago he almost died......from being struck by a speeding car while crossing the street. You never know when your number is up. Don't trash your body, but enjoy the time you have.

Re: cigars and health
 

That's as good an answer as I've ever heard.
Welcome to life, right?

Re: cigars and health
 

A good cigar definitely reduces stress. Trust me on this one bro!;)

Re: cigars and health
 

Inevitably when you here a bunch of guys/gals talking about cigars someone doesn't particularly care for a type of smoke someone else enjoys and you'll hear "like what you smoke and smoke what you like" (aka Tom and his Gurkhas).

In this case I'll say like what you do and do what you like. I'll gladly sacrifice a little time on this earth for the enjoyment I derive from the friendships made and the fine cigars enjoyed for the last 10 years and many more going forward hopefully.

In honor of this thread I promise to go watch some football with friends tonight and smoke at least 2 cigars.

Ashes to ashes..

Re: cigars and health
 

Amen Brother, I will kill something tonight at well.

Re: cigars and health
 

I am in too, Tim and Larry. :tu

Re: cigars and health
 

George Burns smoked a cigar a day and lived to one hundred years old.

Re: cigars and health
 

Please read the original, unbiased, Surgeon General's report on smoking and cancer. It concludes that pipe smokers have a lower mortality rate than non-smokers and that cigar smokers have virtually the same mortality rate as non-smokers. It's the cigarettes that get you. Well, the crap they add to cigarettes will.

Also, this: http://web.archive.org/web/200211282...08/wtob08.html

Re: cigars and health
 

I thought the Surgeon General just came out with a recent report that any tobacco use caused damage, even a single puff.

Anyone who is new to smoking and is not aware of the risks is a fool. That being said this fool started smoking cigars 43 years ago in Vietnam. What damage it has done is miniscule when compared to the damage done to my body while vacationing in Vietnam.

I bought into the idea as a youngster that I was fighting to preserve freedom....each day that goe by leaves me to ponder just who's as our intrusive Govenment continues to attempt to curtail my own.

Re: cigars and health
 

Yes, the weather outside is frightful, but whether cigars are harmful is a question that can be argued ad nauseum. I suggest you spend some time here before you start getting a pissy attitude about someone who is responding to your question! Or perhaps you aren't as big a boy as surmised.....

Re: cigars and health
 

Well, thanks for everyone’s' thoughts

Especially for Hotreds input on semantics of all things!

And yes that was said in jest.

Re: cigars and health
 

I'm headed over to my gun forum to asks if guns kill people, or people kill guns.

Re: cigars and health
 

Homonyms, actually.

Re: cigars and health
 

:r:tu

Re: cigars and health
 

Like Jackie Gleason, Hugh? Hummina hummina hummina. :)

Re: cigars and health
 

:r
:r
:r

Re: cigars and health
 

I DO know that people have been banned for life with less than 3 posts. :D
Not sure how that relates to smoking 2 cigars a day. People here will tinker around with your head a little,
but look around elsewhere on the net and see if you don't find other forums worse. I think in the long
run you will run less risk if you accept a little funny business and not try to counsel people for not taking
your question as seriously as you do. As you can see, you eventually got the question answered sufficiently.
I am kind of late to be jumping in and telling you what's what. But remember, while it is not uncommon for
someone to join and not use their first post to introduce themselves properly in our forum provided for that purpose,
It IS uncommon for someone to use their second and third to wag their finger in the faces of members in good standing.
Now, head on over to the introductions forum and let us know a little more about you. The longer you stay,
the better you'll be at getting the info you want.

Re: cigars and health
 

I will make up whatever excuse is needed to keep smoking my cigars and be left alone by others who disagree with my hobby. :2

Re: cigars and health
 

Brad, by now, you should know that I've adored you from afar for decades..." ;)

:r:r

Re: cigars and health
 

im the one still in school..i should have known this

Re: cigars and health
 

with all said above I can only add

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "..holy crap ....what a ride!"

Re: cigars and health
 

I have always said that I will do what I want, it is my life and anything harmful I do to myself was always with the intention of enjoying life the way I wanted it to be. If you are already looking at smoking as harmful before you are even in the hobby then cigars are probably not for you.

However just so you can relax about it, I believe someone posted some statistics in the last thread on this subject that showed that the increased risks of certain cancers relating to cigar smoking was extremely low, even for the targeted smokers of 1-2 cigars a day. Some of us don't even smoke weekly, I haven't had a cigar in a month (mostly cuz its so f'ing cold out). For us that smoke maybe once a week we can rest assured that the risk is almost nothing.

That said, I would do it anyway just because its very relaxing and there is nothing better than a cigar with a friend.

Re: cigars and health
 

nuff siad. im in

Re: cigars and health
 

hahahaha, Hoosier you really know how to work me. Shaman, you also shouldn't be too upset that I went
25% off on you. It is so peaceful here these days, some might say slow...I MIGHT say slow. But in that
environment, I READ things I oughtn't. So naturally, I SAY things I don't say very well. I'll leave it to others
to scare you straight, lol.

OH, and before I forget. YOU CAN give yourself lip cancer. Just leave the cigar in your mouth all the time
instead of holding it in your hand or an ashtray. And you can give yourself esophageal cancer by letting
too much juice go down your throat. This will also give you the nico-spins. But if you only add the cigar
to your face to puff it, you should be fine. It's the nicotine that gets ya, and the constant contact of the
cigar to wet tissue.

Re: cigars and health
 

Good advice.. Keep your lips dry, take nice puffs, don't inhale. And stick with it for your first cigar. The first one usually is the deal breaker, a lot of people smoke for 5 minutes and put the cigar down saying they "don't get it" or something similar. Usually about 15-20 minutes in on your first one, you will start to get a hint of what the fuss is about. I wont go into too much detail, but you will know when you start to taste it.

Also, make sure you visit a good tobacconist shop where they can give you some good advice. Make sure you get a good cigar for your 1st time, ask the shop owner questions, most are very knowledgeable and will help you find a great cigar that wont break the bank.

Lastly, pair the cigar with something sugary. Most newbie cigar smokers get very light headed, and sometimes nauseous from the unfamiliar nicotine rush. I suggest Lemon Lime soda. The sugar will help calm your stomach for your first few cigars til you build a tolerance. I prefer the cheap stuff they sell at Walmart lol.

Re: cigars and health
 

honestly i didn't even notice your post until you referenced it here (oops)
yet going back and reading it, it was not upsetting. i realize i sound like a dick sometimes in txt form. My jovial sarcasm just doesn't come through correctly i guess.

Re: cigars and health
 

This This this this this. I'm in the same boat as the OP just turned 18 recently, don't really drink or party or any of that (not that into excess). For my 18th I wanted to do some stuff I wasn't allowed to do before, but didn't want to get a whole pack of cigarettes. I'd had an amazing night a couple months before smoking a mediocre cigar with a couple of by best friends so that's what I did for my birthday. Luckily my brothers room mate knows his stuff we went to a great little smoke shop and he gave me some advice. I ended up having a perfect afternoon smoking a Ashton Cabinet with my family. Since then I've had 3 cigars two were from a local liquor store that sells cigars as an after thought, one was from a member of this forum. The two from the local place were terrible. The other one was amazing. I cannot stress this enough go to somewhere that specializes in this type of thing. I will never go back to the local bar, the other cigar place is 3 hours away (where my brother lives), but it would be worth it every time to go there instead.

Re: cigars and health
 

oh yeah I forgot to mention "George Burns" smoke just 2 cigars a day and lived to be 100

Re: cigars and health
 

As promised I did indeed smoke last night in this threads honor, but I had 3 instead of 2....my bad!

I killed a T-52 Flying Pig, Oliva V Lancero and a Punch Julieta No. 2.

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Me too, Tim, I burned an Illusione Epernay PC.

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And here I thought you couldn't lay off the Gurkhas! :D

Don't forget we're filling the boat with ice cubes made from Stoli next year so when we drain the boat it will be a more enjoyable experience! :noon