I started smoking at 13. It was common in my group, and, for a follower like I was, it was a given. I smoked off and on for the next 50 years. I smoked light cigarettes, never heavily, maybe half a pack a day at most, usually less. At about 50 years old I started using plastic filter tips, in addition to the filters on the cigarette. I was amazed at the gunk on them after a couple of cigarettes, and so were my friends. I heard about e-cigs a few years ago, just rumors, since there was no advertising that I ever saw back then. I heard they were expensive, and put them in the back of my mind as a maybe someday…. Bought my first e-cig at a 7-11. It wasn’t very good but I never smoked another cigarette after that. With my computer’s help I discovered a good and inexpensive brand, Smokeless Image. I’ve always used the lowest number nicotine. It’s been 2 years. No relapses. The benefits were almost immediate. I coughed more than usual the first few days, and felt I was getting rid of old, old crud in my lungs. I had no more heaviness in my chest, and could take a good long breath without ending it with the usual cough. My skin and eyes were clearer. Being a woman I suppose the shining benefit was knowing I smelled good! I could wash my hair, brush my teeth, and put on perfume and know others would smell that as opposed to smoke. My teeth are starting to brighten more every day also. I know I’ve talked more about cosmetic improvements, as opposed to improved health. That’s because I was one of the lucky ones. I’m well aware the odds against good health after all those years of smoking. I’m grateful for e-cigs. Very grateful, since quitting smoking on my own never lasted. This will last.