STARTING YOUNG:
Smoking among school kids and teenagers has become quite prevalent. They think it's cool because their friends or parents do it. They're convinced it makes them look older or independent. Most adult smokers, I've learnt, initiated smoking while still in school or university, and many female smokers believe tobacco use is good for coping with stress and weight control.
Smoking affects the health of everyone involved, even those standing close by. My office buildings and campuses are no-smoking zones but cigarette butts are still seen in corridors and stairways. Despite the restrictions imposed on cigarette advertising, the marketing efforts of tobacco companies ensure that for every smoker who dies, a new smoker (or sucker) is born.
