:: SMOKING ::

         Smoking has become very common and fashionable , especially amond young boys . This habits usually begins at school when boys try to experiment with new things that they can lay their handson. A smoker can easily be identified in any group. Not only does he reek of stale smoke , he also has bad breath , much to the dread of non-smokers.


         Despite the warnings given by doctor about the ill-effects of smoking , people continue to smoke. Smokers are addicted to it , and even if they want to , they cannot refrain from picking up a cigar or cigarette and puffing away. Some youngsters smoke for the sake of society and some feek that would make them appear liberated and broadminded. However, the effects of smoking are far more insidous than the offensive smell associated with smokers.


        Cigarette smoke contains many toxic substances like carbon monoxide , nicotine and carcinogens that not only cause irreparable damage to the smoker , but also to those around him who inhale the smoke. Carbon monoxide reduces blood capacity to carry oxygen , thus causing fatigue and panting even with the slightest physical exertion. Nicotine contained in cigarette smoke reduces the activity of the brain and nervous system. It also raises the risk of high blood pressure.


        The nicotine in the cigarette is known to cause lung cancer. It is ironic that despite the effects that every smoker is aware of the ill effects of smoking , he does not give it up . Smokers are at a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancers because cigarette smoke contains carcinogens. Long-time smokers often develop cancers of mouth, larynx and lungs .


         Tobacco companies are doing very well all over the world. Every packet of cigarettes has a warning inscribe in it , 'Cigarettes smoking is injurious to health'. Yet the smoker never reads this warning and even if he reads in he never pays need to it.


          Smoking not only endangers the smoker himself but also those who inhale secondary smoke-smoke exhaled by smoker. In view of the many dangers of smoking, more smoking cessiation programmes should be introduced to smokers. Smoking can be stopped by a strong will power and every person has the capacity to give it up once he sets his mind at doing so.