1 According to the 2010 Surgeon Generals Report , smoking is a major contributor to many diseases and adverse health effects, including cancer, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications, low bone density, and peptic ulcer disease
While the number of smokers has been declining since the 1960s, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death, killing more than 480,000 people annually in the United States
Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire
So heavy in fact, that some people are reluctant to give up cigarettes in the fear that they might pile on the pounds
Quitting smoking for just 24 hours can lead to meaningful health improvements