Ask groups to identify as many harmful effects of tobacco use as they can. Give each group several index cards and a different colored marker. Tell students to list and briefly describe each harmful effect or disease on an index card. Students should also indicate the source of their information. Reflect, summarize and discuss.
Nicotine first stimulates the brain, then causes a letdown.
The smoker then needs additional nicotine just to feel normal. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor-it narrows blood vessels. Then the smoker can no longer exhale without effort. Breathing becomes so difficult that people cannot ride bicycles, walk up stairs or even blow out a match one inch in front of their mouths. Permission is granted to reproduce for educational non-commercial uses if this message is shown.