1. Killer Smokes

3. Here are the facts:
In the US an estimated 26.2 million men and 18.8 million women are smokers.
80% of smokers start smoking before the age of 21
Nicotine (the addictive drug in cigarettes) causes addiction and acts as a stimulant.
Nicotine contributes to plaque buildup in blood vessels, increasing the chance of hardening of the arteries.
People who chew or sniff smokeless tobacco become addicted to nicotine.
Breast milk from a mother who smokes contains nicotine.

4. More facts…
Secondhand smoke (also known as passive smoke) also causes about 35,000 deaths from heart disease
Passive smoke includes mainstream smoke (the smoke the smoker blows off) as well as side stream smoke (the smoke that comes from burning tobacco).
Smokers may have trouble keeping their respiratory tracts clear because cigarette tar paralyzes cilia which can lead to chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema is when the lungs’ air sacs are destroyed, making breathing extremely difficult.

5. Smoking CAN cause cancer
Smoking causes 15 different types of cancer including:
Lungs
Mouth
Voice box
Throat
Esophagus
Bladder
Kidney
Pancreas
Cervix
Stomach
Some leukemias

6. Reasons not to smoke: Its an EXPENSIVE pass-time
(over $1500 a year for a pack a day)
It causes bad breath.
Wrinkles!
No one wants to look
50 when they are 32
RISK OF CANCER!
Cigarette smoke contains at least 43 carcinogens.
Carcinogens are cancer causing substances.

7. Benefits of Quitting Improved cardio respiratory endurance
Physical fitness increases because you can breathe easier
Reduces chance of heart disease and stroke.
Can save you $$!!
Never again will you have to make excuses, or feel guilty about needing cigarettes
Never again will you have to plan every activity around cigarette smoking.

8. Tips for Quitting Learn different stress management techniques.
Set up a support system with friends, family, teachers, coaches,etc
Exercise regularly and moderately. Regular exercise helps. Joining an exercise group provides a healthy activity and a new routine. Get more sleep. Try to go to sleep earlier and get more rest. Take deep breaths. Distract yourself. When cravings hit, do something else immediately, such as talking to someone, getting busy with a task, or taking deep breaths. Change your habits. Use a different route to work, eat breakfast in a different place, or get up from the table right away after eating.