Smoking rates decline -- slightly

Fewer people are smoking these days, and those who do are smoking less.  This is according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Associated Press notes. 

In 2005 21 percent of adults acknowledged smoking.  In 2011 19.3 percent of adults acknowledged smoking.  This was a decline of 3 million smokers.  While only a slight decline in the general scheme, this is a trend in the right direction. 

This is significant to us RTs because smoking is the number one contributor to lung disease.  Studies have shown that those who quit smoking allow their bodies to heal, and this reduces the risk of smoking related diseases. 

If the current trend continues, 17 percent will be smoking by 2020.  This will be far short of the government set goal of 12 percent.  Likewise, credit for the decline is given to educational efforts to inform people of the dangers of smoking, and the advantages of quitting if you do smoke.

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