Know the Score
So… why do young people smoke?
Young people give loads of reasons for trying smoking. Unfortunately, most of these reasons are just myths!
Myth 1 – Smoking makes you look cool and grown up
It’s true that smoking makes you look grown up, but only because smoking causes wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes. Some people even say that the lines around a smokers mouth makes it looks like a cat’s bum! And there’s nothing cool in looking like that!
And if you’re thinking of smoking to impress a boy or girl – don’t bother – a recent survey found that most people prefer going out with non-smokers! It’s a fact – no-one wants to snog an ashtray!
Myth 2 – Smoking helps you to fit in with your mates
How can this be true? It’s not like you didn’t hang out with your mates before you started smoking.
There are loads of things you can do with your mates without smoking – how about playing football, a trip to the cinema, listening to some tunes or starting a band?
You shouldn’t have to justify your decision not to smoke to anyone. Real friends will respect your right to make up your own mind!
Myth 3 – Smoking makes you more independent
How can smoking make you feel more independent? Smoking is addictive, and being an addict makes you more dependant then independent!
Also, don’t forget that you’re being targeted by the tobacco companies.
They want YOU to smoke their cigarettes, so YOU can replace all the people who have died because of smoking. And they’re not targeting you because they think you are cool or special – they are targeting you because they are greedy and they want your money, and they need YOU to help them stay in business! Don’t fall for their tricks!
Myth 4 – Smoking controls stress
In fact, researchers have actually found that smokers have higher levels of stress compared to non-smokers!
Physically, cigarette smoke has a stimulant effect on the body (rather than a calming effect), which means that it actually increases blood pressure and heart rate. This puts pressure on the heart, making it work much harder than normal.
As well as this, smoking can also increase stress because of its addictive nature. For example, smokers have to constantly think about running out of cigarettes, having enough money to buy some more, and when they will next be able to smoke, especially if they are in situations like being in an exam or being on an aeroplane. No wonder non-smokers feel less stressed without having to think about all that kind of nonsense!
Myth 5 – Smoking helps to keep weight down
New research has just found that teenager’s weight is not affected by smoking or by quitting, and in fact smoking can even worsen the appearance of cellulite (which makes the skin look like orange peel). So it’s best not to start smoking in the first place. Smokers are also more likely to have a smoker’s belly – this it because smokers store more fat around their waists.
A reason why some people might put on weight when they quit smoking is because food tastes a lot nicer. This is because people’s sense of taste and smell improves when they quit smoking. Some people also replace cigarettes with food when they first quit.
The best thing someone can do if they are worried about their weight is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with loads of fruit and veg, and try cutting down on the fatty foods like crisps and chocolate. Also, they could try to do more exercise to burn off those excess calories.
