DEAR ABBY: May I add a few words to the letter from "One Hopeless Guy" who decided to chew tobacco instead of smoke it?
Let me tell you what "dipping snuff" will do to you:
The nicotine from the tobacco seeps into your bloodstream, causing the arteries to constrict. The blood platelets become sticky, while the heart starts to pound. Since the heart is beating faster through narrowing arteries, the blood pressure rises, increasing the chances of heart disease and stroke.
While all of this is going on, the tobacco that has been stuffed between the cheek and gums is leaving a white lesion -- a precancerous condition that becomes malignant in from 3 percent to 5 percent of the cases. Your teeth will scream for a dentist, not to mention the fact that your chances for developing cancer of the lip, nasal sinus, pharynx, larynx and esophagus also increase.
Your sense of taste and smell are diminished, which could result in the excessive use of salt, putting you at risk for high blood pressure and/or kidney disease. Also, too much sugar may invite dental problems.
I know this is not pleasant, Abby, but people who dip snuff need to know the facts. -- RON JETTE, OTTAWA, CANADA
P.S. As my stationery indicates, I am director of communications of the Lung Association.
DEAR RON JETTE: On behalf of those who dip snuff -- or consider it the lesser evil to smoking -- I thank you.