Five Reasons Not To Smoke

You see your friend smoking, and she keeps asking you to try a cigarette, too. But before taking that first puff, there are a few things you should consider. Like the impact it will have on your health, the health of those around you and your future. Bottom line: smoking causes death. That should be enough to stop you in your tracks, but if you still need more reasons why you shouldn't smoke, here are just a few:

Your Future May Be at Stake
No, cigarettes may not kill you right away, but smoking can affect your future in many ways. If you are active or participate in sports, smoking can cause breathing problems that may prevent you from being successful. Smoking can also cause serious health problems that can interfere with your daily life and activities.

It's an Expensive Habit
Buying cigarettes is like paying for poor health. Smoking is an expensive habit, with each pack costing $5 or more. If you smoke one pack a day, it will cost your more than $1,800 a year! Just imagine everything else you could have spent that money on!

Your Family Will Thank You
Smoking doesn't just affect you. Before picking up that first cigarette, think about the fact that it could affect your family and others around you. Secondhand smoke can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and lung cancer in those who don't smoke, including both children and adults.

You Might Get Sick Less
Studies show smokers take more sick time than nonsmokers in the workplace. On average, smokers take 7.67 more annual sick days than nonsmokers. It has not been proven that smokers actually got sick more, but  the difference between the sick time taken by smokers and nonsmokers is evident.

You'll Enjoy a Better Sense of Smell and Taste
Smoking causes a decreased sense of smell, and that diminishes a smoker's ability to taste. You will enjoy food and scents more if you don't smoke.

If you don't start smoking, you won't have to quit! Quitting smoking is much more difficult to do that not smoking in the first place. As a parent, it is important to set a good example and talk to your children about the dangers of smoking. Talking to kids can seem tough, but is important. Visit our website, where you can find many great resources  to use in preparing to talk to your kids about smoking.

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