Researchers have known for more than a decade that mothers who smoke during pregnancy damage the fetus. Women who take birth control pills should not smoke because of the increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack and liver tumors. When cigarette smoke is absorbed into the body, it decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and increases the clotting rate. This reaction, combined with an increase in blocking of the arteries associated with smoking, can cause a heart attack. The death rate by heart attack is twice as high for smokers.
Cigarette smoking is a major cause of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease.
For many years we have taught students about the detrimental health effects of smoking, but it may be more effective to talk to young people about the fact that cigarette smoke can make the hair smell bad and fingers turn yellow. And, that kissing someone who smokes is like licking an ashtray. Millions of people in this country have quit smoking. People who want to stop can stop. The best way is cold turkey.