There are a pretty high percentage (31%) of college students who use tobacco. But the good news is an even bigger percentage (69%) DON'T! And half of the current college smokers would like to quit.

When it comes to smoking, ignorance is NOT bliss--it's a killer. Really knowing the facts may help to make this the time for kicking the habit. And for those of you who feel good about only being an "occasional smoker" or justify that you are a non-smoker by never buying (only bumming) cigarettes...know this: Smoking just four cigarettes can give a person a 90% chance of becoming addicted. And nicotine is actually more addictive than heroin.

We think we have heard it all in terms of the "hows and whys" smoking is bad for our health. There are well documented, significant negative health effects from smoking or tobacco use, such as lung cancer and heart disease. But if the risk of heart attacks and cancer have not motivated you to quit, did you know smoking effects male and female reproductive organs, which can lead to erectile dysfunction, impotency and infertility? Or how about premature wrinkling, digestive problems, yellow teeth, smelly hair, thick mucus smokers cough, cataracts, breast cancer, osteoporosis, heartburn, ulcers...? And we haven't yet addressed the financial implications of a $4.00 per pack habit!

One in five deaths in the United States is related to tobacco use. And get this, every ten seconds someone dies from a disease related to smoking. In fact, smoking causes more deaths in the U.S. than AIDS, automobile accidents, homicides, suicides, drug overdoses and fires combined.

If you are interested in making this the time you kick the habit, check out the tips to the right or consider joining the smoking cessation program offered on campus free of charge to students, faculty and staff. The program is a joint effort of Counseling Services and the Cosiano Health Center.

For more information contact Counseling Services at X4526.


Source: Tobacco Free U Org