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“137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.” -Doc Hastings
While our veterans have already risked their lives to safeguard our homeland and protect our freedoms, there is no doubt that they are fighting a consonant war against big tobacco.
How did smoking become synonymous with the military?
It allstarted in 1917 during World War I-- before the dangers of cigarettes were well-known-- when tobacco companies first began to target military personnel. Cigarettes were included in rations and even endorsed by doctors. It was claimed that cigarettes were a way for soldiers to psychologically escape from their current circumstances, ultimately boosting the spirits of the troops.Whether soldiers were enjoying a smoke after a hard day’s work, picking up smoking because of peer pressure, or even just killing time, there are a plethora of logical reasons as to why smoking is, and has long been accepted in the military.
Now that times have changed and research has undisputedly proven that cigarettes are extremely bad for you, the association between smoking and military personnel has only persisted. Even though civilian smoking rates are on the decline, smoking rates in the military remain stagnant.
It’s a fact thatsmoking has resulted in ten times more deaths than deaths in all the U.S. wars combined. In addition, treating medical issues that result from smoking for veterans amounts to $1.6 billion every year. Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces health in general. (report)
What if there was an alternative for our veterans?
Enter: Vaping. The combustion of elements into smoke leaves behind many extremely toxic chemicals including high levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide (which was used to kill people in the gas chambers), and nicotine (a poison used in pesticides) while vaping heats them instead, turning them into vapor. Most of the harmful chemicals present in smoke are absent in vapor, and vaping has proven to be 95% less harmful than smoking.
The best way we can support our veterans is to understand that it is not easy to walk in their shoes. Even though most smokers recognize the consequences of smoking cigarettes,according to American Lung Association, 77% smokers fail when they try to quit. The best thing we can do is provide alternatives.
There are many amazing organizations that promote #VapesforVets, and PHILTER not only stands behind this movement, we are taking it to the next level. Now with the option to filter your vape, people like veterans can do what is necessary for them to cope and heal in peace, while leaving the air behind them untainted. Find out more about what using a PHILTER can do for you and your loved one, here.
Thank you so much to all of our men and women who have served. We honor you on this Memorial Day, and forever.