Smoking: Not Smart to Start
By Carmen Spinney M.D.
Did you know that each day more than 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers? This adds up to more than 1 million new young smokers a year. Even more disturbing is that approximately one third of them will die from a tobacco-related disease.
Over the past several years there has been plenty of information provided to the general public concerning the dangers of smoking, so why is it that the leading cause of preventable death in this country continues to be a popular activity among our teenagers?
It's Cool.
Or, at least that is the popular notion among teenagers that smoke. This misconception coupled with the tremendous peer pressure among young people leads to many teens lighting up to find social acceptance among friends and classmates.
Understanding that smoking is a major health hazard facing our youth, what steps can we as parents take to prevent their children from smoking?
Bad decisions lead to bad consequences. To smoke or not to smoke is a conscientious decision or choice every individual has to make. Although we cannot make the choice for our children, we should assist them by explaining to them that not only is smoking a bad health decision, but it is also not cool or hip. And, that a decision to smoke early on in life could have serious consequences on their health later.
Be direct. Let them know that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and can kill them. Cigarette smoke is particularly harmful to their young, changing bodies. There are more than 200 known poisons in cigarette smoke that affects normal development and causes life-threatening diseases such as chronic bronchitis and heart disease.
Don't start. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug. It has been proven that even experimentation with smoking can lead to addiction and a lifetime of trying to kick the habit. So, the most surefire way to stop smoking is not to start. We must convince our children to play it safe and not start the nasty habit. By not smoking, they are certain to avoid the risks involved with it.
Lead by example. If you smoke - stop. By continuing to smoke, you may send the wrong message to your child. Not to mention second-hand smoke is also dangerous. It is estimated that 3,000 non-smokers die of lung cancer each year from breathing other people's smoke.
Keep them active. If your children are involved in athletic activities inform them that smoking will have an adverse affect on their athletic performance. Smoking can cause shortness of breath and dizziness.
Know the law. Explain to them that by smoking they are in some way breaking the law. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy, cigarettes or other tobacco related products.
If all else fails...Appeal to their vanity. Most young people are very concerned about their physical appearance, and they are trying constantly to look good among their peers. Let them know the debilitating effects smoking will have on their physical appearance. Smoking can cause dry skin, wrinkles, bad breath and yellow fingernails. Research has also proven that smoking may cause premature gray hair or hair loss.
Stay informed. Regardless of what actions we take as parents, the choice, ultimately, rests on our children. By being aware of our children's activities and taking the time to explain to them the risks and hazards involved with smoking, we can help to make their decision not to smoke much easier.
Carmen Spinney M.D. has provided patients in the Jersey Shore area with trusted, quality healthcare for nearly 30 years. Dr. Spinney, who practices Internal Medicine, has been a part of the Jersey Shore Hospital's active medical staff since 1973, where she served as Chief of Staff from 1980-1993. She also sits on the Board of Jersey Shore Hospital and the Lycoming Medical Society. Her vast medical experience includes a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at Bellevue Hospital, Bellevue, New York. Dr. Spinney lives in Avis with her husband Ralph. She has two children Russell and Carmen.
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