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Killer
Smokes
Here are the facts:
• In the US an estimated 26.2 million men and 18.8 million
women are smokers.
• 80% of smokers start smoking before the age of 21
• Nicotine (the addictive drug in cigarettes) causes
addiction and acts as a stimulant.
• Nicotine contributes to plaque buildup in blood vessels,
increasing the chance of hardening of the arteries.
• People who chew or sniff smokeless tobacco become
addicted to nicotine.
• Breast milk from a mother who smokes contains
nicotine.
More facts…
• Secondhand smoke (also known as passive smoke) also
causes about 35,000 deaths from heart disease
• Passive smoke includes mainstream smoke (the
smoke the smoker blows off) as well as side stream
smoke (the smoke that comes from burning tobacco).
• Smokers may have trouble keeping their respiratory
tracts clear because cigarette tar paralyzes cilia which
can lead to chronic bronchitis.
• Emphysema is when the lungs’ air sacs are destroyed,
making breathing extremely difficult.
Smoking CAN cause cancer
• Smoking causes 15 different types of cancer including:
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Lungs
Mouth
Voice box
Throat
Esophagus
Bladder
Kidney
Pancreas
Cervix
Stomach
Some leukemias
Reasons not to smoke:
•
Its an EXPENSIVE pass-time
– (over $1500 a year for a pack a day)
• It causes bad breath.
Wrinkles!
– No one wants to look
50 when they are 32
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RISK OF CANCER!
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Cigarette smoke contains at least 43 carcinogens.
Carcinogens are cancer causing substances.
Benefits of Quitting
• Improved cardio respiratory
endurance
• Physical fitness increases because
you can breathe easier
• Reduces chance of heart disease
and stroke.
• Can save you $$!!
• Never again will you have to
make excuses, or feel guilty
about needing cigarettes
• Never again will you have to
plan every activity around
cigarette smoking.
Tips for Quitting
– Learn different stress management techniques.
– Set up a support system with friends, family, teachers, coaches,etc
– Exercise regularly and moderately. Regular exercise helps. Joining an
exercise group provides a healthy activity and a new routine.
Get more sleep. Try to go to sleep earlier and get more rest.
Take deep breaths. Distract yourself. When cravings hit, do something
else immediately, such as talking to someone, getting busy with a task,
or taking deep breaths.
Change your habits. Use a different route to work, eat breakfast in a
different place, or get up from the table right away after eating.