I have noticed over the last month or two that I have some friends/guild members and family members who have been increasingly vocal about their social exploits, which are centered around, but not limited to, drinking large quantities of alcohol, eating large quantities of unhealthy food, and smoking cigarettes or pot.
Now, I have never been one to turn my nose up at a fun time. I don’t consider myself a square. But, I do like to think of myself as “health conscious”. And my mental dilemma this week stems from attempting to figure out why people can’t have fun without being unhealthy. Why do people have to binge drink when they go out? Why do they have to eat terrible fried food on a weekly basis? And why, oh why, do people have to fill their lungs with shit that they KNOW will kill them faster?
My first thought is that perhaps these people think that they are above the health problems presented by excessive indulgence. They have a tendency to exemplify the minority as an excuse. “My grandma smoked for 65 years and she doesn’t have lung cancer!!” (what other problems does she have?) “A glass of wine now and then is good for you!” And it can be. But I have never seen these people only drink a single glass of wine.
So what they mean to say is they believe they are immune to the negative effects. And this concerns me greatly. I transcribe for multiple pulmonologists who have 20-40 different patients daily, and while I cannot disclose specific information, I can say that the percentage of people who have lung issues from smoking…extremely high. The correlation between alcohol obesity AND heart issues is also quite obvious and prevalent. And I can’t make these figures up. I see them on a daily basis.
Consequentially, when I see close friends and even relatives regularly drinking, smoking, and eating badly, I instinctively warn them. “These things are bad for you.” “I’m worried about your health.” They seem to be tickled by my concern. “Oh, I know it’s bad for me.” So they do know. Why not stop, then? WHY IS THERE A NEED TO SELF DESTRUCT? Is your life no fun unless you smoke, drink, or eat greasy food? Then you SERIOUSLY might need to step back and self-examine a bit. The whole point of life is to be able to be happy without an excess of shit that makes you artificially happy.
“Smoking is addictive!” people say. My friend Laurel made a good point about this to me today – ever seen someone quit when they have a child and then start back up afterward? All the time!! It can’t be that addictive if you can QUIT STONE COLD TURKEY when you have a child!! So what is calling them back to it afterward? Could it be a subconscious desire for self destruction? Boredom? Obviously they cared enough for the child to stop smoking in an effort to preserve its health…so why can’t they do the same for themselves? Food for thought.
I try to put myself in these people’s shoes. I really do. In high school, I understood that people had nerves and concerns and alcohol and pot easily dull these. But are the long-term side effects of these terrible habits worth the loss of the nerves and worries? Not to me. I just don’t get it. Yes, I understand that you’re stressed and the cigarettes makes you feel better. I understand that you have trouble talking to women, and 6 beers really helps with that. But have you really sat down and thought about what 6 beers three times a week will do to your body eventually? Or what a pack of cigarettes per day will do? Or fast food every day?
I just really want to see my friends and family be healthy and live a long time. I know they’re smart people. It tortures me inside that they would indulge in such self-destructive activities consistently. I would love to just spend time with all of you and show you how much fun you can have while not causing your body to fall apart. I want us all to live as long as we can and enjoy life.
Stop believing you’re above health risks, stop being an idiot, and start being healthy and happy without artificial means. I promise, you can do it.