Dean Hoover, Des Moines

Letter to the Editor

I see there are more cities trying to regulate e-cigarettes. Before you do, please hear me. If it weren't for them I would probably be dead. I smoked cigarettes for 65 years. On Feb. 13, 2014, I received an e-cigarette that I had ordered. Since that day, I have never smoked a regular cigarette again. I used the e-cigarette twice a day for a month, then maybe twice a week for another month. After that I never used it again. The craving for a cigarette was gone, as was a hacking cough. My blood pressure is normal now without any pills, and I can breathe so much easier.

Rather than trying to stop their use, it should be encouraged. I wish they had been around when I was young. I will be 83 this year, but I consider my new life 2 years old. E-cigarettes saved my life.

I wish people could see beyond their preconceived ideas just because these are called cigarettes. It is just vapor, folks. Please use some common sense.

By the way I am not against anyone who smokes, if that is what they want to do. It does not bother me at all. Just think of this, though: I have $5,000 more in my bank account since I quit.

— Dean Hoover, Des Moines