The American Lung Association estimates that every minute 4,800 teens will take their first drag of a cigarette. Studies show that girls are twice as likely as boys to take up the habit. The second National Health Morbidity and Mortality Survey (NHMS11) found that 28.8 percent of teenage girls smoked, compared to a considerably smaller 14.1 percent of boys.
Frequency
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the United States, 1,000 young people between 12 and 17 years of age become daily cigarette smokers.
Why They Start
Research has found the most commonly cited reasons for teenage girls to start smoking include controlling or losing weight and because a parent or older sibling smokes. Other girls do it for identification within a social group they want to be a part of--or it may be a rebellious act against certain expectations. Stanford University research scientist Lisa Henriksen found in her research that tobacco advertising has a massive effect on young girls in particular.
Effects
Teenage girls should be aware that cigarettes have a negative effect on the skin. The inhaled smoke causes skin to wrinkle, sag and yellow and to become dry and flaky. Smoking damages teeth, and usually causes bad breath. These effects only describe what is happening on the outside; inside, smoking causes a host of respiratory diseases as well as cancers and heart problems. Teenage girls who smoke and are also on the contraceptive pill are putting their heart health at risk and the effects can be fatal. Smoking can have an effect on future pregnancies--and the likelihood of becoming pregnant.
Giving Up
It's important and easier for teenagers to give up while still young and relatively new to smoking. With less access to money, and having had fewer years for the addiction to manifest, it's a lot easier to do it now. Teenagers may find having a friend to quit with a great help. It would also help girls to distance themselves from those who smoke and occasions where people commonly smoke.
Benefits
The less you have smoked in your life, the less damage has been done to your body. Within just a few weeks of giving up, sometimes even days, you'll notice breathing and exercise is a lot easier. For those seriously addicted, it could take about a month for the nicotine cravings to subside, so remember to take it one day at a time. Anyone who gives up smoking will also notice a lot more money in their wallet.
