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WHAT IS TOBACCO?
- Tobacco comes
from a plant and contains the stimulant drug,
nicotine.
- It is usually
smoked in cigarettes, cigars and pipes, but is
also found in a powdered form called snuff (to
be sniffed up the nose) and as chewing tobacco
or dip.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING?
- Nicotine
increases pulse rate and blood pressure.
- The effects can
usually be felt immediately, and can last up to
30 minutes from one cigarette.
- First time users
often feel dizzy or nauseous, even after just a
few puffs or "drags" from a cigarette.
- Regular users
often report that smoking reduces their anxiety
and helps them relax.
- Some smokers say
nicotine reduces their appetite, so they eat
less.
IS
TOBACCO ADDICTIVE?
- Tobacco is
highly addictive. Regular use can result in
physical dependency with long-lasting withdrawal
symptoms.
- Depression,
irritability, restlessness and anxiety are some
of the symptoms experienced by smokers who
haven't had a cigarette in a while.
- These symptoms
produce a strong craving for another cigarette.
WHAT OTHER PROBLEMS CAN RESULT FROM SMOKING?
- Coughing, as
well as other chest and breathing problems
afflict some smokers.
- Bad breath and
discolored teeth are also common among people
who smoke regularly.
- Regular smokers
have a much greater risk of developing lung
cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as
heart disease, circulatory problems and
bronchitis.
- Smoking during
pregnancy can harm an unborn child, resulting in
low birth weight and other complications.
- Second-hand
smoke can also be hazardous to one's health,
especially to children and people with asthma or
other chest problems.
IF
YOU SMOKE AND WANT TO QUIT...
- Stay away from
places where lots of people smoke.
- Tell all your
friends and family that you are trying to quit,
and get their support.
- Let your doctor
know your trying to quit, and see what they say/
- Try acupuncture,
nicotine chewing gum, patches, or other popular
remedies.
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