A recent study in the U.S. has found that secondhand smoke is indeed linked to stroke. Dr. Michelle Lin of John Hopkins School of Medicine and her co-authors said that there is an increased risk of stroke to non-smokers who reside with smokers. They also noted that stroke survivors who are exposed to secondhand smoke are twice as likely to die than those who aren’t. In fact, 1 out of 4 Americans (58 billion people) non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke.
Angela Malek of Medical University of South Carolina noted that adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke aren’t only at risk of stroke but also lung cancer and heart diseases. Children, however, may be susceptible to asthma and infections. No one is completely safe from the health hazards of secondhand smoke. It is therefore advised that we keep away from smoking.
Vocabulary:
recent – [adjective] happening or beginning not long ago
risk – [noun] the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
exposed – [adjective] not protected or covered
hazards – [noun] a source of danger
susceptible – [adjective] easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something
True or False:
- A study found that secondhand smoke is linked to stroke.
- There is no increased risk of stroke to non-smokers who live with smokers.
- Stroke survivors who are exposed to secondhand smoke are twice as likely to die than those who aren’t.
- Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke are not at risk of stroke, lung cancer and heart diseases.
- It is advised that we keep away from smoking.
Defend your argument:
- Despite health risks and government warnings, why are cigarettes still one of those top selling items in the market?
- Non-smokers who inhale cigarette smoke are exposed to the same health risks like smokers themselves. Should smokers feel guilty/feel responsible?
Express your opinion:
- Imagine the world without cigarettes.
- There are minors who smoke. What is your opinion about this?
- Share your thoughts about this quote: “Rather than smoking a cigarette, the cigarette is really smoking you.” – Anthony Liccione