Tobacco use among middle school students
• Nearly all 1st use of tobacco occurs before high school graduation
• A little less than 3,000 kids start smoking every day
Tobacco use among middle school students
• About 12% of students reported using some form of tobacco –at least once in the past month.
• Cigarettes (about 8%) were the most common type of tobacco used.
Terms you should know
• Nicotine
• Carcinogens
• Stimulants
• Nicotine withdrawal
• Nicotine substitutes
Facts About Cigarette Smoking
• Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 compounds, with over 60 known carcinogens (cancer causing agents)
• Cigarette smoking is responsible for one of every 5 deaths (435,000 per year)
Facts about Cigarette Smoking
• The active chemical responsible for tobacco’s psychoactive effects & its dependence
• A stimulant
• Able to reach the brain in about 10 seconds when smoked
Nicotine is …
Physical Impairments
Lower physical fitness and enduranceHalitosisStained teethDamages air sacs of lungs
Packs Per Day
Monthly Cost
Annual Cost
20 Years 30 Years
0.5 37.50 450.00 28,476 84,768
1.0 75.00 900.00 56,952 169,536
1.5 112.50 1350.00 85,429 254,304
2.0 150.00 1800.00 113,905 339,073
Smoking is a Costly Habit
Reduction of risks to diseases such as…
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Respiratory disease
OVERALL,
• Health improves significantly
•Physical benefits–Physical endurance and energy–Better taste buds–Feeling of accomplishment
•Financial benefits–Beneficial use of money–More money to save
Other Benefits…
•Establishing goals
•Setting up a support system
•Find effective ways to say No
•Nicotine replacement therapy
Start by…
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
• Replaces nicotine from cigarettes
• Includes the patch, gum, nasal spray & inhaler
• Reduces withdrawal symptoms
• Should be used in conjunction with a behavioral change program
Strategies to stay smoke-free
• Alternate methods to deal with stress
• Effective ways to say no
• Resources available to quit
• Educational video clips -- Anti-tobacco teen smoking resources
Sources
• National Center for chronic disease control and prevention
• Tobaccofree.org
• American Cancer Society www.cancer.org