Smoking

Have you got a light?

Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 different chemicals, many of which are harmful. One of the chemicals is nicotine, a powerful, fast acting and addictive drug. One of the greatest risks young people face is becoming addicted to the effects of nicotine and beginning a life-long dependency on tobacco.

Smoking reduces your fitness, makes your hair and clothes smell, costs a lost of money and can cause serious health problems including heart disease and cancer of the lungs, mouth and throat. It can also cause problems with fertility.

If you smoke, think about stopping now. It is never too late. Nearly two out of three young people who do smoke want to stop. The single most important factor in giving up is YOU- you have got to want to stop. Why not take the first step and have a go at stopping for the next month?

NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 022 4332 smokefree.nhs.uk/  - also can chat to an adviser online

Your local GP/Practice Nurse/School Nurse 

Did you know?

• Stop smoking services can also support young people and anybody from 12 upwards can access Nicotine Replacement Therapy if appropriate. See page 117.

• Non-smokers also suffer illness as a result of breathing other people’s tobacco smoke –passive smoking.

• Most places now have a smoking policy i.e rules about where people are allowed to smoke.