Dangers of smoking
By, Jared Van Wyk
Why do teens think its cool to smoke?
1. Help control weight and reduce their stress
2. Makes them look mature and independent
3. Fall into peer pressure
Long term effects of smoke include:
1. Chronic bronchitis
2. Emphysema
3. Lung cancer
4. Heart disease and stroke
5. Weakens immune system
Short term effects include:
1. Brain chemistry changes
2. Respiration and heart rate increase
3. Taste buds are dulled and appetite is reduced
4. Bad breath, yellow teeth, smelly hair, skin, and clothes
Smokeless tobacco
1. Not a safe alternative to smoking
2. Chemicals of smokeless tobacco are absorbed into the body at levels up to three times the amount of a single cigarette.
3. Smokeless tobacco also irritates the tissues of the mouth, which can then cause leukoplakia.
4. Causes cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
How do you say no to smoking?
1. Surround yourself with positive influences
2. Reduce your chances of peer pressure
3. Practice your refusal skills and be able to use them