Friday, August 8, 2014

The List

I've always wanted to travel. It's a passion I've had for a very long time but  never got the chance to live the dream. But one day, when I could just pack and leave for the journey, I want to be ready. I want a list of all the places I wanna go (doesn't necessarily have to be somewhere far. Some park I've never been to counts too) so I could keep track and not miss a single destination.

With spunky baby steps, I'll start with my country, Malaysia:

  • Kuala Gandah
  • Kundasang
  • Taman Negara, Pahang
  • The Chilling Falls
  • Bukit Fraser
  • Amcorp Mall's Flee Market
The real deal:
  • Havasupai Falls, Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Iceland
  • Venice
  • Greece
The list doesn't end here. It will be updated.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Why I Believe A Smoke-free Environment Is Good For Everyone

     Ever wondered why people keep telling us "Do Not Smoke" and why there are numerous posters and billboards propped up everywhere to encourage us to quit smoking or not smoke at all? That's because an estimated 5 million people die around the world each year by causes related to smoking, according to Harvard University. Around one-third of those deaths are caused by stroke and heart disease. The chemicals in a regular cigarette is so harmful that even the smoke released by it can affect the health of both smokers and second-hand smokers. Logically, this could be effectively prevented if each and every one of us say “NO” to smoking so the environment is smoke-free and healthier for us to live in. 

     Even though some people say that a smoke-free environment will make no difference whatsoever, I strongly believe that it will and it is good as well as beneficial for everyone. As we all know, smoking affects us in various aspects of our health such as physically, psychologically and socially.

     When smoking, the percentage of oxygen that is delivered to your organs are low while carbon monoxide replaces the remaining percentage, causing the lactic acid build up to increase hence, making exercising even more painful for you. Furthermore, you will be four times as likely as non-smokers to report feeling unrested after a night's sleep, according to Johns Hopkins' study. The largest organ in a human body; your skin, will also be affected. It will wrinkle much easier and you will look 1.4 years older than non-smokers, on average. It's because smoking hampers the blood supply that keeps skin tissue looking supple and healthy. 

     So, I believe that if smokers quit smoking and non-smokers continue saying "No" to cigarettes, I am 100% sure that problems concerning our physical health could be put to a stop. Plus, everyone will be happier with their tip-top physical health and their restored beauty. Once you are addicted to nicotine, it would be very difficult for you to quit smoking as the withdrawal symptoms are quite excruciating. Nicotine can make you feel irritated, stressed and sometimes depressed. These are normal but if it happens in a long term, it will definitely affect your health negatively. 

     When the environment is smoke-free, imagine how optimistic everyone will be without feeling constantly irritated and depressed. Due to this, smokers tend to feel isolated. Therefore, I am sure that when we start living in a smoke-free environment, everyone will start socializing comfortably with each other while indirectly creating a happier community. I truly believe that a smoke-free environment is good for everyone because why would we want to risk our lives as well as inflict ourselves financially for something that gives such brief pleasure? We don’t gain any benefits from smoking instead, we suffer from it. Countless health benefits could be gained by practicing a lifestyle without smoking and nothing is as priceless as good health. Say “No” to cigarettes and quit while you can. Together, we can create a smoke-free environment and a lifestyle of choice.