Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. It can also cause many diseases.
But many young people pick up a smoking habit every year. In fact, 90% of adult smokers started when they were kids. So it’s important for parents to learn all they can and to talk openly with kids early and often to help kids steer clear.
The smoke from burning tobacco contains many harmful chemicals (such as lead, arsenic, and carbon monoxide) that can damage all body systems when breathed in. And this affects not only the smoker, but people who are around them.
One chemical, nicotine, does damage in a different way. It causes a person to become addicted within days of first using it. In fact, the nicotine in tobacco can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin. When a person starts to smoke, it’s hard to stop.
Health problems linked to smoking include:
There are other things to think about when people start smoking at a young age. First, nicotine can harm the developing brain. It can be harder for kids who smoke to learn new things or to pay attention. They’re also likely to become addicted very quickly (even more so than adults). Nicotine is also linked to depression and anxiety in young smokers. And many studies show that young smokers are more likely to drink alcohol and to try marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other drugs.
E-cigarettes and hookahs (water pipes) aren’t any better. They can be filled with nicotine or other harmful chemicals. Health experts report serious lung damage in people who vape, including some deaths. Even smokeless tobacco (for example, tobacco products that can be chewed, sucked on, or even inhaled into the nose) isn’t safe and can lead to many health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Kids might be drawn to smoking for many reasons — to look cool, act older, lose weight, seem tough, or feel independent.
But parents can fight those draws and keep kids from trying cigarettes and getting addicted to them. Keep these tips in mind:
Keep talking to kids over the years about the dangers of smoking. Even the youngest child can understand that it’s bad for the body.
Even when kids are well aware of the health risks, some still try smoking. If that happens, try not to get angry. Instead, focus on communicating with your child:
Resist lecturing and try not to nag. In the end, quitting is the smoker’s decision. When your child is ready to try:
Kids are quick to spot gaps between what their parents say and what they do. And most kids say that the adult whom they most want to be like when they grow up is a parent.
If you’re a smoker:
Kids and Smoking, MedlinePlus, Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/smoking.html
Women have unique health issues. And some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently.
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