Leonard Nimoy tells Twitter followers to quit smoking after revealing chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease diagnosis

Though he admits that he's "doing okay," Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy was last week diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the age of 82 years old. The original Spock actor took to his Twitter account to announce this unfortunate news and to also urge his followers to quit smoking, because that's why he ended up with the disease.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

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. — Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life,family, friends and followers. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

COPD is "a severe lung ailment that US medical authorities have concluded is linked to smoking" according to The Guardian.

The National Institute of Health describes this disease as "is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time."

COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants-such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust-also may contribute to COPD.

You can read more on Nimoy's condition, which can affect anyone who has a history of smoking, right HERE.