Cigarette smokers may feel that their tobacco addiction is far less harmful than smoking an illegal drug such as marijuana. Marijuana smokers who abstain from tobacco sometimes boast that their drug of choice is safer than cigarettes. The truth is that both tobacco and marijuana have damaging effects.

A healthy respiratory system is designed to protect the lungs from occasional inhalation of smoke, dust and other harmful substances. Cigarette smoking not only damages its protective mechanism but continues to assault it with harmful material daily. Secondhand smoke carries similar dangers.

Opium is the raw, gummy tar harvested from opium poppies. It is a schedule 2 drug in the United States, meaning that it has a medical use but also has a high potential for abuse that can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Alcoholism is caused by chronic drinking. The chemical alcohol contains ethanol, which comes from grapes and fruits and can be found in beer, liquors and wine. Classified as a depressant, alcohol slows the brain’s activity producing an effect on emotions, concentration and thinking.

A fever during a pregnancy can upset the development of the fetus, especially if the expectant mother has a fever early in her pregnancy. Most doctors will recommend the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy to lower a fever.

During pregnancy, your gums might tend to swell due to hormonal changes. You also might be prone to dental decay during this time, which can lead to a tooth infection.

Lounging in the hot sun with a cool, alcoholic drink might seem relaxing, but it can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you drink alcohol outdoors on a hot day, avoid the sunlight and drink extra water frequently.

Fasting refers to the process of abstaining from solid foods in an attempt to purge your body of toxins during religious rites or as a method of weight loss. You are instructed to only take in liquids such as juices or water for the course of your fast.

Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are both antiseptics and disinfectants. Although they are similar, they should not be used in place of one another and care should be used when using either product. Rubbing alcohol is usually a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol that is commonly rubbed on the skin.

Swollen feet and nausea are well-known symptoms of pregnancy, but a chronic stuffy nose could plague you, too, especially in the last trimester. This condition, known as rhinitis of pregnancy, can be treated at home safely, but consult with your obstetrician before trying a new medicine, herbal remedy or exercise.

Caffeine blocks brain receptors that can dilate the blood vessels. This may lead to some withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches. Teas, energy drinks, colas and chocolate contain caffeine, though in smaller doses. People who consume those products regularly may have withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

Your skin may reveal just how healthy your daily meals are. A deficiency of certain vitamins can cause scarring, pigmented spots and slow wound healing. It can also lead to a breakdown of the elastic fibers that keep your skin smooth and soft.