Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Second-hand smoke can hurt those around you. In fact there is significant proof that passive smoke causes lung disease, and other serious respiratory infections, and is especially threatening to young children. And even if your smoke doesn t affect those around you physically, if you get sick or die, you will deprive your family and friends of a healthy you. I can quit any time I want.
Many young people think they can quit when they re older.
The truth is, the longer you smoke, the harder it is to quit. Smoking can be just as dangerous as any of those behaviors. Nicotine is more addictive than drugs such as cocaine or heroin, and can kill you just as surely as unsafe sex. It s better to smoke because if I quit, I ll get fat. The health risks associated with smoking are far more devastating than being ten or 15 pounds over weight.