"Nicotine and Cigarettes: What is it and why should you quit?"):

KC - BLOG

"Nicotine and Cigarettes: What is it and why should you quit?"

I found this interesting article about tobacco prevention while doing some web browsing and would like to share it with you.  This article that I read was more of an educational article which I believe we can use for workshops, conference, projects.  It explains what is contained in a cigartette, what are the causes and effect of tobaco usage, why people smoke etc.  The most interesting part of the article for me was the household ingredients.  I know we've discuessed this and have made a few projects on this, but I think this is a good printout to send out to tobacco users especially young teens and adults.  I also liked this article because it also tells us how to prevent smoking and quit smoking.  I think this article is a one stop shop article if you ever need quick info or easy readable printout for educating others in tobacco control/prevention :)

Here is the link to the article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/addictions/nicotine.shtml

Smokeless Tobacco

YER - BLOG

Smokeless Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco may seem like a safe alternative to cigarettes, but they are not. Smokeless tobacco comes in a variety of forms like chew, snuff, and dissolvable tablets and strips. Using smokeless tobacco will not put you at the same risks for lung cancer as cigarette smoking does, but it does increase your chances of getting cancer in the mouth. It is also associated with gum disease and gum decay, bad breath and yellow-brown colored teeth. Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine and is addictive just like cigarettes. Moreover, adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to smoke cigarettes. The best way to avoid the risks associated with cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is to not start!

If you are a current user, seriously consider quitting now. There are several steps you can take to quitting, such as seeing your doctor about nicotine gum or patches; also, tell someone close to you that you are trying to quit and get support. Try substituting smokeless tobacco with other food items such as sugarless gum, fruit, sunflower seeds or beef jerky. You’ll feel better knowing that you’ve reduced your risk for serious health problems!

References:

www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/smokeless/smokeless_facts/index.htm