September 2002

Teens: Say 'No' to Tobacco

Smoking a cigarette, chewing tobacco and hanging out have been seen as the "cool" thing to do. But medical research tells us that there are many dangers associated with smoking, chewing and second-hand smoke.

Although there has been a decrease in smoking throughout the United States, there are still many young people who are using tobacco products. Younger children are starting to use these products for the same reasons that teenagers do:

• To feel grown-up
• To fit in and belong
• To relax and feel good
• To take risks and rebel
• To satisfy their curiosity

Over 4,000 chemicals are found in cigarettes–43 of which are proven to cause cancer. These chemicals form part of the sticky, brown residue known as tar. A pack-a-day smoker pours one quart of tar into his lungs each year.

Carbon monoxide (a deadly chemical), acetone (an ingredient in fingernail polish remover), formaldehyde (used to preserve dead animals) and nicotine (a poison) are just some of the chemicals present in cigarettes.

The Consequences of Smoking:

• Bad breath
• Tooth and gum disease
• Brown teeth
• Red, puffy eyes
• Decreased blood flow to the brain
• Sore throats, stuffy noses, hoarseness

The Consequences of Using Chew:

• Bad breath and stained teeth
• Discolored and decayed teeth
• Causes a black, "hairy" tongue
• Slower reaction time

Tobacco Use and Athletics

For athletes who smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke, you can expect a decreased supply of oxygen to the respiratory system and heart. The lungs must work harder, which causes premature fatigue, impaired performance and shortens the amount of time you can do any physical activity.

Smoking causes the nicotine to release greater amounts of epinephrine which causes blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to rise and the heart rate to increase, all of which will impair the performance of an athlete.

Advertisements Influence Potential Users

The purpose of advertising is to sell products such as tobacco. Advertisers intend to manipulate you into thinking, "If I use this product, it will make me better."

Many advertisers exaggerate claims of their product in order to persuade people to buy or focus on some irrelevant appeal rather that the product itself.

Tobacco advertisers use a variety of methods to convince potential users:

• Celebrity endorsement–famous people persuade you by telling you how great it is. If you like them, and want to be like them, you are more likely to use the product.
• Bandwagon appeal–intended to create the impression that everyone is using the product.
• Romance or sex appeal–uses very attractive models that imply using the product will make the person more attractive.
• Sophistication–intended to show that if you buy a certain product, you will be more grown-up and fashionable.
• Popularity appeal–intended to convince you to buy a certain product so you will be more popular.

To see if you are being manipulated, ask yourself: “Are advertisers trying to make me think that if I use this product it will make my life better or more enjoyable?”

Already Using Tobacco? It's Never Too Late to Quit

The benefits of quitting the tobacco habit begin soon after your last use:

Within 20 minutes–blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature of hands and feet drop to normal.

Within eight hours–carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in the blood are normal. Smokers’ breath is gone.

Within two days–smell and taste senses improve.

Within three days–breathing becomes easier. Lung capacity increases.

Within two to 12 weeks–circulation improves. Walking becomes easier.

Within one to nine months–coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. Overall energy level and stamina increase. Cilia regrow in the lungs, helping the body handle mucus and combat infections. Peptic ulcers heal faster.

Within two years–heart attack risk is near normal.

Within five years–lung cancer risk drops 50 percent.

Within 10 years–most of the cancer risk is near normal.

This issue of Ups & Downs was contributed by Ann Fenton, University of Nebraska Extension Educator, Pierce County.

Ups & Downs is edited by Gary Heusel, State 4-H Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.