-No chance of COPD;
-No chance of emphysema (did I spell that right?)
-Although I don't think it's been researched enough, there have been numerous studies saying that marijuana is theapudic to lung cancer (but there have been 0 cases of death caused by smoking marijuana);
-0 (proven) mental issues;
I can deal with the lower testosterone, but I don't smoke enough for that to be an issue, although once school starts, who knows.
I would laugh profusely if the NCAA started drug testing fencers. They would have to call off the season.
Smoking 'relaxes' smokers because once addicted, they become nervous during withdrawal. Caffeine often cures my headache, but the headache comes from caffeine deprivation. Saying smoking relaxes you is like saying heroin cures shakes and nausea.
Took the words right out of my mouth.
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-No chance of COPD;
-No chance of emphysema (did I spell that right?)
-Although I don't think it's been researched enough, there have been numerous studies saying that marijuana is theapudic to lung cancer (but there have been 0 cases of death caused by smoking marijuana);
-0 (proven) mental issues;
I can deal with the lower testosterone, but I don't smoke enough for that to be an issue, although once school starts, who knows.
I would laugh profusely if the NCAA started drug testing fencers. They would have to call off the season.
Ok, let me clear this up right now. I will willingly admit I participated in my fair share of smoking in college. However, I also wrote 3 different 12 page term papers about legal and health issues involving marijuana.
No chance of COPD, Correct.
There is SOME RESEARCH to indicate there is no chance of emphysema.
I know nothing about it soothing lung cancer patients. What I do know is that it can be given to cancer patients to alleviate the effects of chemotherapy and also to develop an apetite.
Your last point is the one I take serious issue with. Perhaps you are trying to say that there is no proof it affects your mental capacity or ability (for arguement's sake if you are, I'll grant you that, even though I think you're wrong).
However, there is a tremendous amount of data that supports the fact that it has a serious effect on a person's psychological state. It has been shown that (and I'm not talking about if you did it once) it will change your brain chemistry. It can cause both anxiety and depression. And in addition to that, even though it is not physically addictive it is unquestionably psychologically addictive and for a lot of people that can be worse.
I could go on and on, but I won't. My point is this, you want to smoke pot, ok.
But don't fool yourself into thinking you're doing something that's totally innocuous -- it isn't. It may not be linked to lung cancer. It's still smoke in your lungs.
Quote:
marijuana tar contained about 50 percent more of the chemicals linked to lung cancer, compared with tobacco tar...In addition, smoking a marijuana joint deposits four times more tar in the lungs than smoking an equivalent amount of tobacco.
I will admit the same article is reporting on the fact that there is no link b/w marijuana and lung cancer. That doesn't make it good for you, or even neutral.
Long and short of it -- Smoke your head off -- Just don't think there is no consequence. The consequences may be completely different from tobacco. In fact they are. But, for pete's sake, at least know what you're doing. . .
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Characteristically, I had been trying too hard, and remembered again that wonderful piece of advice given by a French thinker: Trouve avante de chercher--Valery, it was. Or maybe it was Picasso. There are times when the most practical thing to do is to lie down.
Pot actually has more polyaromatic hydrocarbons ( the main carcinogenic agents ) than tobacco. OTOH, it doesn't have nicotine, which is among the most potent naturally occurring poisons known to man. Not sure if it has the same high concentrations of noxious chemicals like benzene, carbon monoxide and so forth as tobacco smoke or not.
Check out all of the toxic substances that are found in tobacco smoke sometimes. Many of them are in high multiples of EPA levels allowed in industrial exposure.
If I tried to tell you that cyanide or strychnine would "relax you and taste great", would anyone be eager to try them?
People leave me nonplussed sometimes. ( And don't get me started on things like botox and tattoo inks. )
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Use the Shift key, people! Keyboard manufacturers everywhere are ineffably saddened when you ignore what they made just for you!
i have a friend who offers me the occasional smoke... so i have 1 about every 3 or 4 months
odd result considering i was trying to get her to quit
i think the most interesting thing about smoking it why people choose to do it. Some studies indicated like many compulsive chewing style habits it's a persons subconscious attempt to revert back to the security they felt as a baby being fed by their mother.
sport wise i wouldn't smoke if you were doing long distance running, but i don't think it would be a problem with fencing.
bubble gum's much better anyway... you can chew it while fencing
[INQ-MODE]
After all, the fact that there exists a person who has not been tested (or even a substantial set of people) does not preclude the fact that peope ARE tested, on some limited basis.
[/INQ-MODE]
As I recall, the only times when the NCAA directly tests athletes are at regionals and NCAA's (the events that the NCAA actually runs). However, institutions generally test their athletes as well, either as mandated by the NCAA or simply to do it themselves. Fencing at UNC has not had a whole team test since I've been there, but they do have random testing and most of out athletes (myself included, back in the day) have been tested. So, yes, the NCAA does test fencers. I promise.
From what I've seen going to World Cup events with BooBoo, pretty much all the top fencers smoke. You just see them puffing away outside between rounds etc. I often say to her "want to get to the top, start smoking!".
Simone Vanni and Salvatore Sanzo smoke - both of them very successful Italian foilists. Not that I'm saying it's a good thing or anything, it's just interesting to note.
Although I believe everything in moderation and live and let live, I think it's very important to be a good role model to the youth in our club. Fencing is athletics and smoking affects performance, there is no question.
See the attached from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on tobacco use...
[quote="Fence like a Cat"]Fencing is athletics and smoking affects performance, there is no question.
QUOTE]
It affects physical performance, but could improve mental performance (especially for people who already smoke).
Simone Vanni and Salvatore Sanzo smoke - both of them very successful Italian foilists. Not that I'm saying it's a good thing or anything, it's just interesting to note.
But would they be better (because of fitness improvements) or worse (because of reduced relaxation) if they gave up?
We'll never know.
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"First, second, third, dead f***in' last." - Greg Glassman
i don't think smoking could make you better at all. why would a none-smoker need a cigarette to relax? there are much better ways to calm down.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChubbyHubby
You could always get two groups of volunteers. One group currently non-smokers, the other group currently are smokers.
Get the non-smokers to start, the smokers to stop.
6 months later see what the effects are.
Yeah because fencers with previous lung problems who may be suffering withdrawawl are totally gonna kick ass...then again who knows what could happen after being 6 months of being clean. maybe they found spiritual guidance during that time. and it made them better...
really i think for the ones who start smoking you would want to wait a bt longer, 6 months may not eb lng enough to cause lung damage
i agree with winds that there is no way smoking could make you better because it decreases your lung capacity and the nicotine ruch can have negative effects on finer movements
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*alt+b*-You just got old style S'd
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"tu leche les garcons qui resemble les moutons, et tu l'aime"
Anything could in theory help or hurt your fencing. I know people who fence much better when they get injured, simply because it helps them focus. I've met people who fence better tired, and fence better drunk. It's all about whatever works for you.
It's actually a myth that smoking relaxes you. It does the opposite. <----- scientifically proven fact
__________________ When love bites, be sure to bite back.
Rule #1 She who hesitates has lost.
Rule #2 Don't trick yourself into thinking you suck.
Rule #3 Remember, bad footwork makes coach cry.
I don't smoke, but I agree with those who say it's an an anaerobic sport. I am not well conditioned at all. It's okay though because I fence for my university so I only do sabre bouts to 5 touches AND each side gets a time-out. It's a minute of fencing, then a short break, then another minute, then a long break.
I have a question for all the smokers on this thread-
Could you spend time you waste smoking and money you waste on buying cigarettes on something that would be beneficial for you?
For example if you spend an hour a day sleeping more while saving a few dollars.Is it better than destroying your health?
Stay strong!
Marko
I don't know dude, sleeping doesn't seem that productive either :-). Besides, I smoke so as not to sleep, you know? :-)
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To not recognize the power of the French grip is to be in denial
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