Leonard Nimoy Tells Fans to Quick Smoking - Reveals He is Sick

Leonard Nimoy, beloved actor who is most famously known for playing the role of "Spock" in Star Trek, recently warned Twitter followers about the risks of smoking after revealing that he is suffering from a chronic lung disease.

The disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes breathing extremely difficult for victims, and has been reported to sometimes force Nimoy to use an oxygen mask and wheelchair. It was a recent sighting of the beloved actor in this state at airport that gained the initial social media attention.

In a response to fan concern, Nimoy, who quit smoking thirty years ago, revealed via Twitter that he had been too late writing, "Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now. LLAP."

The message, finished with Nimoy's customary acronym for "live long and prosper," has earned nearly 3000 retreats, spreading the anit-smoking message far across the internet.

Nimoy is by far not the heaviest contender in the war against tobacco, but he has picked an ideal time to join the fray.  Around the same time as Nimoy's posts, CVS has announced it will no longer be carrying tobacco products. The pharmacy chain will also be launching an anti-smoking campaign that, much like Nimoy, urges smokers to quit now.

Even the federal government has chosen to launch a program against smoking, focusing on preventing tobacco product consumption among minors in with the Food and Drug Administration's campaign "The Real Cost."

According to the FDA, tobacco related illness can be linked to over 480,000 deaths annually and has cost the healthcare system over $289 billion in treatment.

Even with his heath deteriorating due to a smoking related illness, Nimoy continues to travel and interact with fans. He has assured fans that his regular routines will not soon stop.