Say “ No ” to Smoking Melissa Moore - Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT)

We have two lungs that look like upside-down trees Your Lungs!

Inside Your Lungs!

Tiny hairs called Cilia keep your lungs clean!!

Why are lungs important? Delivers oxygen to our body. Cells in our body need oxygen to make energy so we can play and exercise.

Smoking causes… Many different types of cancer, especially lung cancer Heart disease Stroke Lung disease Many other disease of almost every part of your body

But Everyone Smokes….Don’t They?? The Truth is: Less than 1 in 5 Canadians over the age of 15 smoke One half of these smokers want to quit at any given time Most Canadians do not smoke, either at home or at work

What Does Addictive Mean? A difference in brain chemistry Tobacco contains nicotine Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine or heroin Smokers brains are “tricked” into “liking” smoking, and “needing” smoking to feel normal

What’s in Tobacco Smoke? Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals 50 of these chemicals cause cancer Some of these chemicals are unsafe at ANY level Includes formaldehyde, ammonia, arsenic, cadmium, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide

ARSENIC ACETONEAMMONIA CARBON MONOXIDE METHANOL (ROCKET FUEL)

Do you REALLY Understand… What Can Happen If You Smoke? Affects EVERY part of your body – Hair – Brain – Eyes – Mouth – breath and teeth – Yellow skin and wrinkles – Difficulty in breathing (Asthma, etc). – Serious Diseases

Second-Hand Smoke

What is Second-Hand Smoke? The smoke released at the lit end of the cigarette and the smoke that the smoker exhales Many of the chemicals are dangerous and cause allergic reactions

Second Hand Smoke If you can smell it, you are breathing it!

Why do people start to smoke? Curious – experimenting Peer Pressure Parents or friends smoke Looks cool Want to fit in What are other reasons?

Saying “ NO ” to Smoking – 90% of youth who smoke 2 cigarettes or more, go on to be smokers for most of their life. – Smoking is not popular – most people don’t smoke

Saying “ NO ” to Smoking Give a reason or excuse - “I have allergies.” “I can’t because I play sports.” “No thanks” Broken record - “No.” “No.” “No.” “I said No.” Walk away Avoid the situation - “I have other plans right now.”

Saying “ NO ” to Smoking Cold shoulder Ignore them. Go & talk with other friends. Reverse the pressure “I don’t want to & I can’t believe you do.” Strength in numbers “Everyone knows says it’s bad for you.” Be Funny “You’ve got to be joking.” “ Smoking Sucks!”

Why do people continue to smoke?  Addiction – Tough to quit!  Something to do with your hands  Stimulation – nicotine stimulates  Don ’ t know how to quit  Other reasons?

Reasons to never start smoking or to quit smoking  Health  Stinks, bad breath, yellow skin  Family/Friends  Too much money!  Peer pressure (fewer smokers)  Fewer places to smoke  Don ’ t like it anymore – sick of it  Others …

Choosing to not smoke means that …

I will be able to breath better!

My Heart Will Be Stronger!

I will be able to play and exercise longer and more often!

My clothes and breath will smell better!

I will be able to smell and taste better!

I will live a longer and healthier life!

You Can Help!  Speak Up! – Say NO!  Never start to smoke - promise to stay smoke free  Ask others to not smoke around you  Help friends to choose not to smoke  Help parents and friends to quit

Questions/Comments?