Smoking is bad for kids and adults. Yet, about 3,900 children between 12 and 17 years, start smoking each day. One in 16 middle school students smokes. And, 20% of high school students are regular smokers.
Why do Kids Start Smoking?
It may be because kids are curious. Some children want to do something dangerous, which is prohibited by grownups. Other kids may wish to act like adults and therefore start smoking. The good news is fewer kids are starting to smoke than some years ago. This may be because health officials have succeeded in publicising the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.
Immediate Bad Effects of Smoking
Apart from long-term health hazards, there are some immediate problems that affect smokers. These include:
- Empty wallet — Tobacco products and cigarettes are expensive!
- Difficulty while playing sports
- More coughs and colds
- Smelly clothes
- Yellow teeth
- Bad breath
Nicotine is Addictive
Tobacco contains a chemical called nicotine, which gives a pleasant feeling to smokers. But, nicotine is addictive. So, your mind and body become addicted to this chemical. As a result, you will experience unpleasant symptoms, if you don’t get your daily fix of nicotine. Some kids may get addicted immediately to nicotine.
Why is Smoking Bad for You?
Smokeless tobacco and cigarettes cause the deaths of hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens each year. In fact, about 1,200 people die every day as a result of smoking-linked diseases. Tobacco contains other toxic chemicals besides nicotine, which can cause cancers and heart problems. Each time you smoke a cigarette, you end up hurting your heart and lungs. Smoking also affects blood circulation, making you feel cranky and tired. The worst damage is faced by long-term smokers.
Smoking is Expensive
Smoking burns a hole in your pocket. The cost of a single cigarette pack is about $4.50 on average. So, even if you smoke just one pack a week, you still end up spending $234 in one year. If you smoke one pack each day, you will spend $1,642 in just one year. Think about all the clothes, computer games and CDs you can buy with that amount of money.
