According to the U.S. Surgeon General, smoking is the chief cause of preventable deaths in the United States. And the danger isn't just smoking cigarettes. Nicotine affects mood as well as the heart, lungs, stomach, and nervous system. Short-term effects of smoking include coughing and throat irritation. Over time, more serious conditions may develop, including increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Smoking also leads to bronchitis and emphysema and increases the risk of heart attacks.
Finally, numerous studies indicate that young smokers are more likely to experiment with marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other illicit drugs . Older children who haven't started to smoke are less likely to begin smoking. The most important way you can prepare to deal with smoking is by establishing good communication. When talking to your child about smoking, Dr. Izenberg recommends that parents stick to the facts. To start with, even the youngest child can understand that smoking is bad for your body.