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Smoking

“Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year” – World Health Organization

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you but still, lots of young people start smoking every year.

You are more likely to smoke if:

  • Your parents or other close family smoke
  • Your friends smoke
  • You want to impress someone who smokes

But what are the issues?

Health

Smoking can cause:

  • Cancer of the Mouth, Throat Larynx
  • Blindness
  • Heart Disease, Angina, Heart Attack
  • Lung Cancer
  • Emphysema, Pneumonia
  • Cancer of the Stomach, Intestine, Liver
  • Increased Risk of Diabetes
  • Leukaemia
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Circulation Problems
  • High Blood Pressure Strokes
  • Higher Risk of Amputation
  • Cancer of Kidneys, Bladder, Pancreas

Appearance

  • Smoking affects your looks
  • Your breath smells
  • Discoloration of teeth, gum disease, reduced sense of taste and smell, hair smells, premature loss/greying of hair
  • Skin changes – premature wrinkles, worsens eczema, delays in healing, yellowing on fingers
  • Smoker’s cough

Smoking and Sex

Smoking damages blood vessels which can lead to impotence. Nicotine affects the hormonal balance and testosterone levels which can result in lethargy, loss of libido and desire.

Cost

Smoking is expensive - find out how much it is costing you to smoke by using the Smoking Calculator at Benefits | StopSmokingLondon

Find out more about the health benefits of stopping smoking at NHS UK Quit smoking - Better Heath 

Visit StopSmokingLondon for resources and support to quit.

 

Giving Up

It is always hard to give up a habit like smoking, especially if you have become addicted to nicotine, so ask for help!

Ask your school nurse for advice.

Teen Smoke Free suggest these steps to prepare you to quit:

  • Set a date to quit

  • Tell Family and Friends about your decision to quit
  • Anticipate and plan for times when you may be tempted
  • Remind yourself why you want to be smokefree
  • Track and monitor your progress regularly

Go to their website to find out more.

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