E-cigs are good alternative to cigarettes

Electric cigarettes (e-cigs) are an alternative to real cigarettes, not a gateway to them.

I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 40 years. Almost four years ago, I switched to e-cigs and haven’t had a regular cigarette since. No more smoker’s cough, shortness of breath, or smelly clothes.

My doctor is very supportive.

I choose to have nicotine in my e-cigs. It is a choice. There are numerous alternative flavors without nicotine. E-cigs have none of the cancer-causing additives regular cigarettes have.

Nicotine by itself is no more harmful or addictive than caffeine. It is a stimulant. Try going without that morning cup of coffee and see how you feel.

I started smoking when I was 13 because I thought it made me look cool. Of all the choices kids have today to try and be cool or part of the in crowd, e-cigs are the least harmful. I’m not for kids smoking e-cigs, but if it is a choice between that and a real cigarette, I sure hope they reach for the electronic version.

Bill Fanning

Vernon Hills