SMOKING

If you're below 16, it is illegal for you to buy tobacco. But the fact of the matter is that many young people, regardless of their age, do smoke. Why? Look at these smoking myths:

• Smoking calms you down - Well, the act of smoking might distract you from a problem, but the nicotine in the cigarette will stimulate your body. In the end, having a fag will not calm you down.
• Smoking keeps your weight down - Nicotine can take the edge off your appetite, it's true. But stopping smoking doesn't mean you'll put weight on. If you do eat more when you stop, it's because you're looking for substitutes for smoking. So, once you've stopped if you eat healthily, and don't just camp outside your fridge, you'll be fine!
• Smoking is cool - How cool is having hair and clothes that smell, teeth and fingers that are yellow and no breath for running for a bus?

Kicking the habit

If all your friends smoke, it can be hard to resist the temptation to follow the pack. But if you do, your body will thank you. To get you started, think about these smoking facts:

• Tobacco has 4000 chemicals in it - nearly all of them are bad for you, and many cause cancer.
• Recent research suggests that people who smoke are over 50% more likely than non-smokers to have serious relationship problems, including a greater likelihood of suffering from anxiety and depression.
• 50% of all regular long-term smokers will be killed by their habit.
• In one decade, a 20-a-day smoker will blow around £20,000 on cigarettes.
• Nearly 500 million people alive today will eventually die from smoking-related diseases.
• Smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the UK.
• More than 120,000 people in the UK die each year from smoking related diseases.
• Smokers are more likely to get throat cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, nose cancer, mouth cancer, heart disease strokes and even gangrene.

How do I stop?

• Make a date to stop smoking and stick to it
• Steer clear of smoke - situations like coffee breaks and bars until you can handle them without needing to light up
• Don't look for an excuse to smoke. Chewing gum can help keep the craving at bay, as can anything that keeps your mouth or hands occupied.
• At moments of weakness focus on the plus points: You'll save cash, you'll feel better, you'll smell fresher and you'll live longer.
• Remember that every day you go without a smoke, you're beating the addiction.
• Nicotine patches and gum are now available on prescription. Either ask your GP or phone the Gloucestershire Smoking Advice Service on 01452 429345 for help and advice.