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Teen Smoking
Teen Smoking
The Facts on Teen Tobacco Use
Did you know that teens who smoke regularly
are generally addicted to nicotine, and that most high school seniors who smoke
will continue to smoke through their adult years? Most teens that smoke increase
the amount of cigarettes they smoke as they grow, despite the fact that many
teens believe they won't be smoking five or ten years down the line. The key to
not smoking is avoiding starting up in the first place. If you can do this you
are one step ahead of the game, and can continue to enjoy all the best life has
to offer.
More than one third of high school students smoke despite the wealth of
information available about the dangers of nicotine and tobacco use. If you find
yourself among the statistics, there is hope and help that you can quit.
Are You a Teen Tobacco User?
If you are a teen tobacco user, you owe it to yourself to educate yourself about
the risks involved with smoking. Don't fool yourself into believing that smoking
is not harmful. The risks of smoking are many.
Teen smokers face many health risks including:
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Reduced lung function and growth rate.
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Poor athletic performance.
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Increased shortness of breath.
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Weak bones.
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Increased cramping and heavier periods.
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Early menopause.
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Increased prevalence of gastric ulcers.
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Cancer of the lungs, mouth, bladder, liver and colon to name a few.
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Bad Breath
Smoking can also increase the number of wrinkles that appear on your face
early on. Who wants to look older earlier than they have to after all?
Did you know that more than 70 percent of teens that smoke regret smoking after
just a short time, and more than 75 percent attempt to quit at some point or
another?
Pregnant teens are also more likely to smoke than their adult pregnant
counterparts. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risks of having an
unhealthy baby, an ectopic pregnancy or preterm delivery.
What You Can Do To Quit
Are you a teen smoker interested in quitting? Congratulations on taking the
initiative to improve your health and well being!
Fortunately there are many avenues you can pursue to help stop smoking.
First and foremost it is essential that you seek support and help from friends,
family members and even your health care practitioner. Quitting is a difficult
task and requires dedication, commitment and patience.
There are many support groups available and smoking cessation programs you can
adopt to help you quit smoking.
Here are some additional steps you can take to stop smoking:
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Set a specific quit date to quit.
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Get rid of all smoking paraphernalia including ashtrays and matches.
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Avoid places that you typically smoke.
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Participate in some stress reduction classes or a regular exercise
program to help manage stress and anxiety.
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Talk to a health care provider about nicotine replacement products to
help you quit smoking.
Quitting is hard work. You might experience some withdrawal symptoms
including a headache or nausea. Know that this is normal and will pass!
Let your friends know you plan on quitting, so they can support you and cheer
you on during the rough times! Also remember to avoid 'beating yourself up' if
you slip up.
Don't resign yourself to failure if you sneak a smoke in the middle of your
cessation plan. Just re-affirm your commitment and dedicate yourself to
quitting. You'll be that much closer to quitting successfully.
Any worthwhile cause takes time and commitment. With adequate support,
dedication and knowledge you can succeed and quit smoking. Remember to enlist
the help of your friends, family and physician!
Smoking and Women
Smoking and Pregnancy
Teen Smoking
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