-
Short-term
health consequences: respiratory problems, and non-respiratory
effects and the associated risk of other drug use
-
Long-term
health consequences: most young people who smoke regularly
continue to smoke throughout adulthood and develop other health
problems
-
Young
smokers have poorer lung function
-
Young
smokers has slower rate of lung growth
-
Young
smokers may present with early signs of heart disease and stroke
-
Smoking
affects physical fitness in both performance and endurance
-
The
resting heart rate of a young smoker is 2 - 3 beats faster per minute
than other non-smokers. This adds up to 2880 - 4320 more beats a day
-
Smoking
at an early age increases the risk of lung cancer
-
Young
smokers gets attacks of shortness of breath almost 3 times more than
those who don't and produce twice the amount of phlegm as compared to
those who don't smoke
-
Young
smokers are more likely to have seen a doctor or other health
professionals for an emotional or psychological complaint
-
Young
smokers are 3 times more likely to use alcohol, 8 times more likely to
use marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine
-
Smoking
is also associated with other risky behaviors, such as fighting, drug
abuse and
engaging in unprotected sex
**References
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
