Problem I am always grappling with

Not always, this claim is often misused in an entirely subjective way. Also just because something increases risk of certain illnesses or conditions, does not mean consuming or using it will be objectively injurious to your health, yet they are sometimes labelled as bad for you in a sweeping facile manner.

Smoking is a pretty good example, only a minority of smokers develop cancer as a result, but it is a vastly higher percentage than among non-smokers. However in order to discourage smoking they need something a bit more punchy than smoking may increase your risk of developing certain cancers.

That’s before we deal with religion’s woo woo claims, like masturbating is bad for you, gay sex is bad for you, lascivious thoughts are bad for you, gambling is bad for you, etc. Can’t say I have or am ever likely to try gay sex, but I can attest there is no evidence any of the others have injured me in any way. Not yet anyway.

It is inaccurate, smoking may increase your risk of developing certain cancers and conditions, but the even though the risk increases substantially, the number of smokers who develop such conditions or cancers is still a minority. Depending on how much you smoke you may develop high blood pressure, but then salt and fat in your diet, or a lack of exercise are also likely to do this.

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