Student Health Services

Health Risks

Smoking is the single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death. Every year about 438,000 Americans die as a result of smoking or inhaling second hand smoke. About 40 percent of these deaths are from cancer, 35 percent from heart disease and stroke, and 25 percent from lung disease. New studies have shown that about half of all regular cigarette smokers die of a smoking-related illness.

Smoking not only harms you lungs, it negatively affects nearly every organ in the body.

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer, and leads to the most deaths from cancer. These cancers include lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. Smoking has been shown to cause heart disease, stroke, lung disease, hip fractures and cataracts.

At least 250 of the 4,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke are known to be harmful. Some of the most toxic chemicals include hydrogen cyanide (used in chemical weapons), carbon monoxide (found in car exhaust), formaldehyde (used in embalming fluid), ammonia (found in household cleaners), and toluene (found in paint thinners).

Regardless of age and duration of smoking, quitting can significantly reduce risk of cancer and greatly improve overall health.

Although smoking rates have declined over the years, more than one in five Americans smoke. In 2004, this included about 21 percent of adults and more than 22 percent of high school students. Among young people ages 18-24 almost 28% are smokers. Approximately 26% of white, 22% of Hispanic and 13% of African American high school students currently smoke cigarettes. Of America’s middle school students, about 8% are current cigarette smokers.

Benefits of Quitting

• You will feel better: your heart rate and blood pressure will drop, you will produce less phlegm, circulation will improve and you will breathe easier.
• Your energy will improve: more oxygen will reach your heart, lungs and muscles. This will make you feel stronger and more energetic.
• You will reduce the risk of illness: your body will be able to fight illnesses such as colds much better. Within the first year your risk of smoke related heart disease will be cut in half! Within 10 years, your risk will be the same as a non-smoker.
• Food will taste better: your sense of smell and taste will return and your appetite will improve.
• You will save money: figure out how much you spend each week on tobacco products, and then multiply that by 52 weeks to find out how much you spend per year. Many people find they are spending near $1,000 per year on tobacco products! Think of something nice to buy with the extra cash you will save.
• You’ll look better: your teeth will be whiter and your clothes and breath will smell better.
• Your self esteem will improve: quitting will help you feel more control over your life. Depression that is caused by nicotine will lessen. Also, you will feel good because you are doing something to help yourself!
• You will protect those around you: quitting will help protect your friends and family from the dangers of second hand smoke. 

Students can receive free one-on-one tobacco cessation counseling through Student Health Services. Call 737-WELL or stop by the SHS to sign up for an appointment.