Contest: The Effects Of Smoking

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David looked in doubt as his friend and roommate handed him the stick of cigarette. 'Just try it', he said to David with his eyes flashing with mischievousness. He took the cigarette and brought it to his lips, inhaling slowly. The smoke filled his lungs, making him sputter, cough and gasp for breath. He quickly handed it back to his friend shaking his head. 'I don't think this is for me ', He said, his eyes teary from the smoke...

The friend laughed and took a long drag on the cigarette enjoying the feeling of the smoke getting his lungs filled up... You still behave like a child bro, loosen up and explore life he said to David...

Can smoking be a dangerous lifestyle with negative impact to the health, or can it be the other way round? Join me as we talk about the effects of smoking.

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Smoking is the inhalation of smoke that comes from the burning of tobacco in a pipe or cigar. Smoking can be mostly observed in clubs, parties, food joints and at homes. This act has been practiced by the younger generation which is a bad influence to the society. The western world see it as nothing, but just a way to keep themselves warm when the weather is cold.. Does it only stop there? And why don't they find other means such as taking hot meals, drinks and others? This question is not for me to answer..

I have seen smokers in where I reside. I can classify the ones I often come across as chronic Chainsmokers. In a day, if they don't take even if a single drag, they look as if they are being called by death because of their addiction and dependence on it. So sad, I HAD Friends who were of good characters but were misled along the way into cultism...

Smokers are liable to die young - Why do they take it when they see the bold warning? Although it may not have a sudden impact but Prevention is far better than cure.

There are quite few number of reasons why smoking is dangerous to our health with the risks and dangers associated...

• Chemicals in the substances burnt and inhaled, can damage the lungs and the airway leading to a variety of respiratory issues...
• There is presence of substances in the cigarette smoke that can Cause cancer.
• The risk of heart diseases, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions is highly increased. Also, there are some heath problems that can be noticed along the way such as diabetes, gum diseases, eye problems and the rest of them...

If there should be any possible reason why people might start smoking is Peer Pressure. Like my introduction has illustrated how a guy was given a stick of cigarette to try, if eventually, he turns out to be a smoker, it was the influence of his friend that will be number one and only cause. Despite it being harmful, people might start smoking when they see their friends or family members smoking..

Another reason is depression and stress. These are mentally related issues, so for that state, their mind is solely based on doing things that will reduce negative emotions and ease stress, therefore they see smoking as the only alternative..

Lastly, people might start smoking because of the marketing and advertising of tobacco products. When these products are advertised by top influencers on the internet, the audience then wish to try the products first before trying other means that leads to smoking....

I know of many people who smoke around my neighborhood, but this particular man close to my house is a different addict to smoking. He is actually an elderly man, with 8 children of which they are all boys. This man always comes home from work with a stick of cigarette in his hand and packet(s) in his pockets....

The effects smoking has on this man are numerous both on himself and those around him especially his family. Too bad he always does it in front of his family without shame. So sad, out of the 8 children (boys) 7 are now practicing what they see their father do. A good explanation of peer pressure..

The major effect smoking has on his family and himself is discrimination, shame, bad reputation and criminal activities....

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Some strategies I think will help to encourage people to quit smoking are;

• Providing the public with accurate information about the dangers of smoking. This can help to make decision whether to smoke or not.
• Provision of resources and support to help people who want to quit smoking. This can be done by building rehabilitation center and therapy sessions.
• Finally I think it is important to create policies/regulations that discourages smoking in the society. This can be done by the implantation of restrictive orders on where people can smoke ..

In conclusion, smoking is an addictive and dangerous habit that can have serious health consequences even if not sudden but undeniably in the future. Despite knowing the fact that smoking is dangerous to the health, but some people still choose to do it. What can we do? There are few strategies listed above which can be of help.... In all, avoid anything that can lead you to become a smoker, such as peer pressure!

Thanks for reading,.. I invite @bossj23, @usoro01, @shohana1 and @kidi40 to participate...

Cc,
@sahmie