Smoking
How this topic helps your child's learning
According to ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) children become aware of cigarettes at an early age. Three out of four children are aware of cigarettes before they reach the age of 5, regardless of whether their parents smoke or not.
One third of children will have experimented with smoking by the time they are aged 11 and this figure rises to two thirds by age 16. (This despite the fact that it is illegal to sell any tobacco product to an under-16.)
Children are three times more likely to smoke if both parents smoke. It is, therefore not surprising that education about the dangers of smoking is an important part of the curriculum even at primary level.
The basics
Smoking leads to serious health problems including stroke, cancers and heart disease. Smoking kills 120,000 people each year in the UK - more than 13 people every hour.
Research shows that children who smoke are two to six times more susceptible to coughs and increased phlegm, wheeziness and shortness of breath than those who do not smoke.
The earlier children begin to smoke, the greater the risk of dying prematurely. Smoking during childhood or adolescence can cause permanent genetic changes in the lungs, and leave the individual at greater risk of lung cancer even if he/she quits later.
Useful things to know
Giving up smoking is the single most important way of improving your health.
However, it may not be easy. Nicotine can be very addictive.
Adults associate smoking with socialising and relaxation, which makes giving up more difficult.
The good news is that around 1000 people a day succeed in giving up smoking.
Tips & treatments
The best way to avoid the dangers of smoking is not to start in the first place. However, if you do smoke, there are a number of strategies which are suggested to help you stop:
- Willpower is your main weapon. You must really want to give up smoking.
- Strengthen your resolve by considering the health hazards and side-effects, such as smelly breath, hair, clothes and homes.
- Prepare for giving up smoking by picking a good moment - perhaps when you go on holiday or are not likely to be subjected to stress.
- Identify when the craving is likely to be at its worst and avoid those situations. Allow for the fact that you will feel tempted, at least initially.
- Get through one day at a time. It is best if you avoid thinking of a lifetime without cigarettes.
- If you think you are addicted to nicotine, consider using Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
The addictive properties of nicotine hinder many smokers' attempts to quit. However, there are ways to provide the body with a supply of nicotine without smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a term which covers a range of products designed to deliver a gradually decreasing dose of nicotine until the addiction is broken.
There are several forms of nicotine replacement available - patches, gum, lozenge, nasal spray, inhalator and tablets which are placed under the tongue. All of these products are available on NHS prescription. In addition, it is possible to purchase them from pharmacists who can offer advice on their use.
Pro-Change is a new stage-based consultation programme of strategies for giving up smoking. This is a free service for smokers and is available in 150 Boots stores.
The patch gives a continual supply of nicotine at a low dose while it is being worn - so it can't respond quickly to a craving or a stressful moment.
The gum and the spray deliver a higher dose quickly so they can respond to a craving with a "quick fix", as with cigarettes.
The inhalator "feels" like a cigarette and may suit people who miss the physical action of smoking.
All Boots NRT products contain nicotine. Always read the label before use.
Sources of help and information
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health)
www.ash.org.uk
Go Smokefree is the UK Government's official web site and is available
at:
gosmokefree.nhs.uk
Quit - UK Charity that helps people to give up smoking
www.quit.org.uk
Boots
www.boots.com
Cancer related information can be found at the following web sites:
Macmillan
www.macmillan.org.uk
Marie Curie
www.mariecurie.org.uk
Cancer Research Science pages
science.cancerresearchuk.org
The information contained on this web site does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.