Smoking
It’s not just nicotine in the tobacco that can harm you when you light up. Did you know that there are over 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke? Although tobacco is commonly smoked in cigarettes, cigars or pipes, powdered tobacco called snuff is sniffed up the nose.
Effects
Nicotine is a stimulant that increases the pulse rate and raises blood pressure. New users can feel dizzy or sick, regular users say that it helps them to relax.
Risks
The nicotine in tobacco is addictive and withdrawal can make a person irritable and depressed. Coughs, chest and breathing problems are very common. Regular long term users have a greater risk of developing lung and other cancers, heart disease, circulation problems and ulcers. Passive smoking (breathing in other people’s smoke) can be damaging to health too.
Pregnancy and smoking
If you are pregnant, smoking can cause serious risk to your baby before the birth and can result in low birth weight and other complications. Babies and young children are at risk from passive smoking and could be more likely to develop asthma and other chest problems. You can choose to smoke or not to smoke, but your baby has no choice.
Smoking also makes your skin more prone to wrinkles and your breath, hair and clothes smell too. Smoking is also bad for your bank balance!
Smoke free England
All enclosed public places and workplaces in England are now smoke free. This results in a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke. Find out more by visiting the Smokefree England website.
Want to quit?
Nicotine is a very addictive drug. If you are aged between 11 and 19, live in the borough and want help to quit smoking, you can contact Knowsley's Young Persons Smoking Cessation Team at the following centres:
- Whiston Health Centre on 426 0611
- Manor Farm Health Centre, Huyton on 290 4990
- Tower Hill Health Centre, Kirkby on 548 3966
Fag Ends can also help you quit. Call free phone 0800 195 2131 or the NHS free phone quitline on 0800 169 0 160.